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.
Inside Lab Safety: Navigating Special Pathogen Testing
Host Jill Morgan is joined by Vicki Herrera, biocontainment laboratory training and education leader at UNMC, and Colleen Kraft, medical and laboratory director of Emory’s Biocontainment Unit to discuss laboratory preparedness, essential testing for patients with suspected high-consequence infectious diseases.
Additional STAND Award Funding Available
NETEC is accepting applications for an additional round of funding through the NSPS Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award program. A total of $10.5 million is available to support U.S. healthcare facilities seeking to develop or maintain capabilities as Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs)—a critical tier in the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS). Applications are due August 3, 2026.
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
Strengthening Global Health Security: NSPS RESPTCs Share Expertise at GHS2026
At the Global Health Security Conference 2026, experts from the RESPTCs at Emory University, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Children’s National Hospital shared lessons on PPE training, operational readiness, and pediatric preparedness with colleagues from 88 countries.
New NEJM Review Highlights Clinical Preparedness for Andes Virus
A new review in The New England Journal of Medicine developed through NETEC’s Special Pathogens Research Network reinforces key preparedness principles for recognizing and managing Andes Virus.
From Wound Care to Waste Disposal: What Healthcare Facilities Need to Know About New World Screwworm
As the U.S. responds to New World screwworm in livestock, here’s what healthcare professionals, veterinarians, public health officials, and agricultural partners need to know about recognizing and responding to this destructive parasite.