National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center

Working together to increase the capability of the U.S. public health and health care systems to safely and effectively manage special pathogens.

What We Offer

health care workers in personal protective equipment receiving training

We offer courses and training for nurses, physicians, emergency responders, and other health care professionals. Our resources provide facilities and individuals with preparedness best practices.

Health care workers in full protective equipment conduct drill in patient setting

We can help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events with free virtual and onsite readiness consulting and assessments.

medical researcher working with test tubes in a laboratory

Our network provides researchers with training, tools, and resources to quickly understand clinical syndromes and study effective treatments and clinical management strategies.

hospital staff at computer

Your organization can submit any question related to special pathogen response. Inquiries range from questions about PPE, to requests to review written protocols, to onsite visits for observing exercises and drills.

Webinar Recording Now Available

Biosafety Cabinets 101

Missed our recent webinar on biosafety cabinets? The recording is now available. Biosafety Cabinets 101: Foundation for Safe Handling of Special Pathogens covers essential concepts for safely handling special pathogens—from airflow and filtration principles to practical guidance for day-to-day use.

Watch the Replay
New Podcast

Inside the NSPS: Dr. Laura Evans’ Vision for the National Special Pathogen System

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan interviews Dr. Laura Evans, the new executive director of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), about her path from critical care leadership at Bellevue to national special pathogen preparedness.

Listen to the Episode
How We Lead

National Special Pathogens System (NSPS)

The National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) helps the country prepare the health care system, protect the health care workforce, and respond to special pathogen events by coordinating special pathogen care across the United States.

Recent News

Lab testing

Biosafety Cabinets 101: Foundation for Safe Handling of Special Pathogens 

April 14, 2026

Learn how biosafety cabinets (BSCs) protect laboratory staff, the environment, and research when handling infectious materials. This recap of NETEC’s Biosafety Cabinets 101 webinar covers BSC classes, airflow and HEPA filtration, and essential best practices for safe use, certification, and maintenance.

Photo of HCID patient movement by airplane

From Runway to ICU: The Critical Role of Air Transport in Special Pathogen Care

April 6, 2026

Air and ground transport teams play a critical role in safely moving patients with high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) to specialized care. This blog explores lessons from the 2014 Ebola response, advancements in airborne ICU-level care, and the coordinated systems that enable seamless patient transfers from runway to ICU.

Special Pathogen of Concern: Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria (2026 Update)

April 3, 2026

Dr. Gavin Harris, a NETEC expert, infectious diseases and critical care physician at Emory University shares three things you should know about the outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria.