Introduction to Pandemics and Biodefense

The last century brought enormous advances in knowledge and technology related to health care and medical countermeasures to help us fight the battle against infectious diseases. At the same time, both humans and animals around the world experienced several major pandemics. In this introductory chapter, we have attempted to lay out, in somewhat chronological order, a sampling of the natural, accidental, intentional, and surprise events, related to infectious disease, that have occurred in the past ca. 100 years; information is generally known but appreciated differently by each of us. As this volume comes together, we find ourselves still impacted by the “pandemic of our times”: COVID-19. In parallel with its enormous challenges has come a burst of technological developments that, on the one hand, contribute to our well-being and on the other may also be accidentally misused or even intentionally abused for harm. Here, we have assembled an exceptional group of authors to help us see the way forward. They address the COVID-19 pandemic and the science of coronaviruses, medical countermeasures, the critical influence of public education and communication by experts and authorities on human behavior, and domestic and international response to this pandemic and preparation for future ones. Much of what is addressed in the following chapters will, hopefully, help us to accommodate surprises in the future. However, to do that in a way that protects our populations will require ongoing effort between outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics; not just another “plan on the shelf,” but committed and ever-present serious leadership at the right levels of government; and leaders who, along with deep technical experts, are committed to maintaining our national and global readiness and strength.