The National Academies
What You Need To Know About Infectious Disease
New infectious diseases are emerging and old ones are appearing in new places around the globe. What’s behind this trend? And to what extent has human behavior amplified the problem? The National Academies, advisers to the nation in science, engineering, and medicine, provide the information you need to understand this complex topic.
Infection
Microbes are all around us. Most don’t do any harm but what about the few that cause infection? Learn the basics.
Threats
Certain aspects of disease are a particular threat to us today. What are some of the things we're most concerned about in the United States?
Challenges
Infectious disease isn’t limited by national borders. Learn how our modern way of life contributes to the spread and emergence of disease.
Prevention
What do we need to do—as individuals and as a society—to stave off the threat of infectious disease?
Explore Other Topics
What do you know about infectious disease?
Infectious Disease Defined
- Toxin
A poisonous substance produced by the metabolic processes of living cells or organisms.
