A Conceptual Design on the BSL-4 Location and Management

In the event of an outbreak of an infectious disease, the pathogen of which is highly contagious, or when there are patients suspected to be infected with such a pathogen, it is essential to start treating the patients and controlling infection immediately. As the transportation system has been well developed, there are more worries about terrorist attacks using biological agents now than ever before. It is a real possibility that even the most dangerous pathogens that are the causes of Class 1 infectious diseases specified in the Infectious Diseases Act, such as hemorrhagic fever or smallpox, be brought into Japan. Those most dangerous pathogens can be dealt with only by special laboratories that satisfy BSL-4 (Bio-Safety Level 4) specified by WHO (BSL-4 laboratories)(1). As there are no BSL-4 laboratories in operation in Japan at present, it is an immediate requirement to develop a suitable environment for the operation of laboratories of this kind, in order to maintain effective health risk management for the Japanese people. In this research, in order to put BSL-4 laboratories in operation in Japan, we will clarify what relevant environmental factors are in different types of possible locations. Based on that, we will propose to utilize those laboratories not only in emergencies, but also in normal times. We will also discuss the necessary conditions in the social environment of contemporary Japan for BSL-4 laboratories’ operation.