Workshop

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Global pandemics often begin when a virus jumps from animals to humans, leading to initial cases of infection - sometimes referred to as "patient zero." As the world recovers from COVID-19, understanding how pathogens first spill over into human populations is critical to prevention efforts. The National Academies' Forum on Microbial Threats convened a workshop in January 2025 to examine how ecological, social, and technological factors shape the emergence of new infectious diseases in humans. Speakers addressed gaps in understanding of disease emergence with a focus on the human-animal interface and laboratory biosafety. This Proceedings of a Workshop summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place at the event.

Publication information

98 pages · 6 x 9 · paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-60176-2
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-60174-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/29313

Suggested citation

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans: Preventing Patient Zero: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

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Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans: Preventing Patient Zero: Proceedings of a Workshop (2025)

Chapter: 1 Introduction

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans: Preventing Patient Zero: Proceedings of a Workshop (2025)

Chapter: 1 Introduction