<P> USAMRIID is the only U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory equipped to study highly hazardous viruses at Biosafety Level 4 within positive pressure personnel suits . </P> <P> USAMRIID employs both military and civilian scientists as well as highly specialized support personnel, in all about 800 people . In the 1950s and' 60s, USAMRIID and its predecessor unit pioneered unique, state - of - the - art biocontainment facilities which it continues to maintain and upgrade . Investigators at its facilities frequently collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and major biomedical and academic centers worldwide . </P> <P> USAMRIID was the first bio-facility of its type to research the Ames strain of anthrax, determined through genetic analysis to be the bacterium used in the 2001 anthrax attacks . </P> <P> USAMRIID's 1983 Mission Statement mandated that the Institute: </P>

United states army medical research institute for infectious diseases