2002 International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases

Journalists are invited to attend and cover the 2002 International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to be held March 24-27, 2002 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting is being organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Society for Microbiology, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the CDC Foundation, the Association of Public Health Laboratories and the World Health Organization.

The emergence of infectious diseases is constantly challenging medical science because of changes in society and the environment, population growth, urban migration, expanding poverty and increased international travel. Despite historical predictions that infectious disease had largely been conquered, the world remains vulnerable to a wide array of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. In recent years, antibiotics have become less effective against many bacterial infections, sparking debate among the infectious disease community of the possibility of a post-antibiotic era and igniting fears of the development of "superbugs" that resist all known antibiotic medications.

The conference brings together public health professionals to encourage the exchange of scientific and public health information on global emerging infectious disease issues. The program will include plenary sessions and symposia with invited speakers, presentations on emerging infections and oral poster presentations. Major topics include current work on surveillance, epidemiology, research, communication and training, bioterrorism and prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases, both in the United States and abroad. The conference will begin with poster sessions at 3:30 p.m. and an opening session at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24 and conclude at noon on Wednesday, March 27.

Comprehensive media facilities will be available. The press center will be located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Programs, abstracts, news releases and information about daily press activities will be available. A limited number of complimentary press registrations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preliminary program, press registration and hotel information are currently available online at http://www.asmusa.org/pcsrc/iceidpress.htm.
More detailed information will be posted as it becomes available.