Special Pathogens Unit

Boston Medical Center’s Special Pathogens Unit (SPU) is a state-of-the-art maximum containment facility for patients admitted to BMC with severe emerging infectious diseases requiring care in containment. The SPU enhances clinical facilities at BMC by incorporating some of the engineering and safety measures used in specialized hospital facilities and research containment laboratories specifically designed to minimize nosocomial transmission of highly contagious and hazardous diseases. The SPU was recognized as the designated site for care of patients with highly communicable diseases by the Massachusetts Department of Health and Boston Public Health Commission. CEID faculty provide subject matter expertise in clinical management, infection control, and emerging infectious diseases medical countermeasures. SPU also serves as the designated medical facility providing support to BU’s maximum containment research program at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL). 

In January 2026, Boston Medical Center was selected as a recipient of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) Level 2 STAND Award, a funding opportunity provided by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC). CEID faculty Dr. Robin Ingalls leads the team of faculty and staff including additional CEID faculty Dr. Jai Marathe and Dr. Cassandra Pierre, to enhance our readiness, training, and infrastructure to safely deliver effective special pathogen care. This award supports our ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare preparedness and protecting our community during high-consequence infectious disease outbreaks.