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Biorisk reduction

A laboratory technician at a TB clinic preparing sputum sample for microscopic examinationLaboratory personnel are expected to act responsibly and prevent exposing communities to biorisks. Credit: WHO/HM.DiasBiorisk reduction combines expertise and advice on high consequence pathogens with guidance and training on safe handling and control of disease agents that pose significant health risks, with potential for adverse economic impact and public concern.

Biorisk management includes analysis of ways and development of strategies to minimize the likelihood of the occurrence of biorisks. The goal of biorisk reduction is to ensure that current scientific knowledge regarding viral hemorrhagic fevers, epidemic-prone orthopoxviruses, and emerging severe zoonotic diseases affecting humans, is maintained in order to apply the most appropriate guidance for treatment, control, and safety to mitigate the risks regardless of the source of the disease event.