Modern epidemiology of hazardous infectious diseases and prevention of biological threats

Hazardous infectious diseases are characterized by highly pathogenic causative agents and high host susceptibility, with the course of epidemic process depending on the geopolitical environment and the country’s social and economic development. This work examined the incidence of primary hazardous infectious diseases (plague, cholera, malaria, contagious hemorrhagic fevers, monkeypox, etc.) both globally and in Russia. A descriptive analysis and assessment of the World Health Organization statistics and reports of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing for 2014–2023 were performed. The analysis revealed an increase in the incidence of relevant hazardous infectious diseases over the analyzed period. For example, the incidence of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever has increased, both in Africa and in other regions of the world. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the incidence of cholera, with some nations reporting major outbreaks affecting more than 10,000 individuals to the World Health Organization. Massive natural foci of plague preserve the pathogen of this extremely dangerous disease for an unlimited time; however, cases of plague during the analyzed period were only reported in 11 countries. The proportion of countries where malaria affects less than 1000 people annually has increased significantly; however, this disease remains a major concern. The analysis revealed high medical, social, and epidemiological significance of the examined hazardous infectious diseases for both the civilian population and military personnel in Russia. The incidence of imported malaria and dengue fever has increased in recent years. The activation of existing natural foci of plague, tularemia, and anthrax in Russia is a major concern. The study identified priority areas for the prevention of biological threats that may cause a decline in combat effectiveness of the Russian Armed Forces.