Bioterrorism preparedness
The Public Health Response
Bioterrorism is the intentional use of infectious agents, or germs, to cause illness. Bioterrorism preparedness has been made a national priority. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has worked with state and local health departments to identify and to respond to bioterrorism for several years. The federal response to bioterrorism includes medications, medical supplies, and if necessary, vaccines to protect an affected community.
Public Health - Seattle & King County is aware of the need to be prepared for bioterrorism. For the past several years Public Health has worked with the local medical community to increase the ability to detect and respond to a bioterrorist attack. Public Health has also developed bioterrorism response plans along with the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Click here to view, "Bioterrorism preparedness: A local perspective", a November 27, 2001 presentation by Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County to the University of Washington.
If a bioterrorist event occurs in King County, the public would be informed through the news media, the Public Health website (www.metrokc.gov/health), and the King County website (www.metrokc.gov) regarding the best steps to take to protect one's health.
|
related sites:
 What is anthrax and how is it spread?
The illness a person gets when they are infected with Bacillus anthracis depends on how the bacteria got into the person's body. The Anthrax Fact sheet describes 3 different types of anthrax disease.
|
|
|
 Disease Fact Sheets
Facts and FAQs about reportable diseases in Washington State including publications and reports.
|
|
|
