In our modern world, where international travel is common and rapid, a disease can spread around the globe very quickly. On an international level, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed and monitored International Health Regulations (with origins in the mid-19th century) to help prevent epidemics from spreading worldwide. The regulations are being revised to address bioterrorism as well as chemical and radiological threats. In 1997, WHO established a mechanism to identify, verify, and respond to public health emergencies that may be of international concern, working closely with government agencies and other partners throughout the world. Reports of current outbreaks that are thought to have international significance are included in a weekly.
