After a satellite crashes, the entire population of a small town is wiped out by a deadly plague, except for one man and one baby. A team of specialists is activated and tasked to find a cure for what is called “The Andromeda Strain.” The army tries to discredit and silence an addicted reporter who discovers that something dangerous is going on.

While the team of scientists are still frantically searching for a cure, investigative reporter Jack Nash literally comes under fire. The president has to make a difficult decision and in order to prevent a nuclear disaster that would actually strengthen the “Andromeda Strain,” the team have to overcome the building's safeguards aimed at preventing contamination.