Manhattan ? A Kansas State University scientist says a new movie about a worldwide health crisis illustrates the importance of the National Bio and Agro-Security Facility being constructed in Manhattan.

The movie “Contagion” grossed more than $44 million in its first three weeks and brings attention to the notion of a real-world epidemic. The Manhattan Mercury reported that the fictitious virus in the movie is modeled in part on Nipah Virus, which will be studied at the NBAF.

Kansas State virologist Juergen Richt says pandemics are becoming more likely because of rapid globalization and the ease with which people travel.

Richt says places like the NBAF can’t keep diseases from occurring, but they can prevent them from getting out of control.