Biological terrorism is the use of biologic agents
(bacteria, viruses, parasites, or biological toxins) to intentionally produce disease
or intoxication in a susceptible population to meet terrorist aims.
What are some of the
diseases possibly associated with an act of biological terrorism?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
have listed a group of diseases that are of highest concern because they have one
or more of these characteristics: can be easily spread person to person; can cause
high mortality; can cause public panic and fear; or can require special action for
public health preparedness. This "Category A" list includes the biological agents that cause anthrax,
plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, and the viral hemorrhagic fevers such as
Ebola.
How likely is a biological
terrorism attack in our county and/or region?
The likelihood of a large-scale bioterrorist event
is currently thought to be low, given the level of technical sophistication required
to develop a weapon to disperse the biological weapon in the manner necessary
to infect massive numbers of people. However, since the events of September 11, which
too was thought to be of low probability, the Local County Department of Health,
together with regional planners and state officials, is focusing its efforts on
improving the ability to respond to such and event, should it occur.
How prepared is Jefferson
County for a biological terrorism attack?
Jefferson County has emergency response plans in
place to deal with hazardous chemical or biological events, as well as other disasters
and is currently working to strengthen these plans. These plans involve the coordination
of multiple agencies involved in law enforcement, public health, fire, emergency
medical services, and disaster response, in conjunction with other city, county,
state, and federal officials. For example, Public Health has developed systems for
rapid detection and investigation of disease outbreaks that could be the first indication
of a biological attack. Early detection will be very important so that persons at
risk can be identified and managed appropriately.
Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes
fatal infectious disease caused by variola virus. There currently is no specific
treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. (However,
current efforts are underway to evaluate antiviral agents that might be effective
in treating smallpox, and there have been some very initial results with the drug
cidofovir that suggest it may be useful.) Patients with smallpox can benefit from
supportive therapy (e.g., intravenous fluids, medicine to control fever or pain)
and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur.
Smallpox is spreads from contact with an infected
person, such as direct face-to-face contact. It
can also be spread through direct
contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.
It's rarely spread through the air, but has been known to spread in enclosed settings
such as small buildings, buses, and trains.
Smallpox is infectious once a rash appears
and until the last smallpox scab falls off.
Have biological
weapons ever been used in the United States?
Yes, but on a very limited scale. In 1984, 750 people
became ill after eating from salad bars that had been intentionally contaminated
with salmonella (a diarrheal disease) by followers of a religious cult (the Bagwan
Rajneesh) in a small town in Oregon in an attempt to influence a local election.
Where can I get the
smallpox vaccine?
Currently, the vaccine is not available to the general
public. Right now, as a precautionary measure, the vaccine will only be available
to members of emergency response teams. However, in the event of a smallpox outbreak,
everyone will be offered the vaccine.
Where can I get anthrax
vaccine?
Anthrax vaccine is only available to members of the
military, since they may be at higher risk of exposure because of their occupation.
At this time, public health officials do not recommend
routine vaccination of civilians
with anthrax vaccine. In the event of exposure, treatment with antibiotics and subsequent
vaccination will be provided.
What can I do to protect
my family against biological terrorism?Prepare
as you would for any emergency (i.e. flood or earthquake), including ensuring that
you have a portable radio with sufficient batteries, flashlight, and several days'
supply of food and water for your family. Have a plan to contact all family members
if something happens during hours of the day when your family members may be separated.
Public Health or other authorized agency will use the news media to release information and instructions you may need to protect your health.
What should I do
to be prepared?
We continue to hear stories of the public buying
gas masks and hoarding medicine in anticipation of a possible bioterrorist or chemical
attack. We do not recommend either. As Secretary Thompson said recently, people
should not be scared into thinking they need a gas mask. In the event of a public
health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the pubic about
the actions individuals need to take.
With all this
talk about possible biochemical agents, just how safe is our water? Should I be
disinfecting my water just in case?
The United States public water supply system is one
of the safest in the world. The general public should continue to drink and use
water just as they would under normal conditions. Your local water treatment supplier
and local governments are on the alert for any unusual activity and will notify
you immediately in the event of any public health threat. At this point, we have
no reason to believe that additional measures need to be takes.
The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead federal agency that makes
recommendations about water utility issues. The EPA is working closely with the
CDC and the US Departments of Defense & Energy to help water agencies assess
their systems, determine actions that need to be taken to guard against possible
attach, and develop emergency response plans. For more information, visit
http://www.epa.gov/safewater.