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Outline

Taking the Terror Out of Bioterrorism

What is bioterrorism? Bioterrorism is the use, or threatened use, of germs (biological weapons) in order to create fear and disease among a population for religious, political, ideological, financial or personal purposes.* *AZ Department of Health Services, 2001

Why Bioterrorism? Inexpensive to produce Easy to conceal Invisible May be contagious Overwhelming to medical services Creates great fear and psychological impact

Has bioterrorism been used in the past? 1346 - Mongols - Plague 1405 -Spain -Leprosy 1763- British – Smallpox 1984-Oregon – Salmonella 2001-New Jersey - Anthrax

Bioterrorism-Related Diseases

What diseases have the potential to be spread by bioterrorists? Person-to-person spread High death rate or potential for public health impact Potential for panic and social disruption Special action needed for public health preparedness

Anthrax Anthrax is NOT spread person-to-person Caused by a bacterium Three forms:  Skin, digestive, lung Can be treated with antibiotics

Smallpox No cases since 1977 due to intense vaccination efforts worldwide Caused by a virus Smallpox is spread easily from person-to-person Death rate of approximately 30% No effective medications to treat smallpox At this time vaccine is not recommended for the general public.

Plague Caused by a bacterium Occurs naturally in the Western US Three forms: pneumonic (lung), bubonic (lymph nodes), and septicemic (blood) Pneumonic form is easily spread person-to-person Can be treated with antibiotics

Tularemia Caused by a bacterium (also known as rabbit fever) Occurs naturally-rabbits and rodents carry the disease. Routes of infection Insects bites Touching/eating meat from infected animals Inhaling dust from contaminated soil No person-to-person spread Can be treated with antibiotics

Botulism Caused by a toxin produced by bacteria Three forms:  foodborne, wound, infant All three forms occur naturally No person-to-person spread Can be treated with antitoxins

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Ebola, Marburg, African hemorrhagic fever Viral hemorrhagic fevers occur naturally mostly in Africa Fatality rates vary for the different diseases Spreads from person-to-person No effective treatments

Preparedness In NJ

Agencies Working Together State and local police State and local health departments State and local emergency preparedness providers Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Military

How are bioterrorist attacks responded to by authorities? Health Care Law Enforcement Other agencies Environmental specialists Military Firefighters

How does NJ’s public health system protect us?

How has the NJDHSS been preparing for bioterrorism? Infrastructure Staff Equipment Protocols Disease notification Response plans Outbreak control Lab expansion/enhancement Training & education Professional Public Communications Pre-incident Incident Post-incident

Local Preparedness Public Health and Emergency Planning in the Community

What should I do if I think I am exposed? Don’t panic!! Call 911 and report the incident to your local police. If you have questions about your health contact your physician.

What can I do to protect myself? DO be alert to your surroundings DO report suspicious activities DO obey instructions from law enforcement and health officials DO have a personal safety plan DO NOT buy gas masks DO NOT keep antibiotics on hand

Where can I learn more about bioterrorism? NJ Dept. of Health and Senior Services www.state.nj.us/health/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.bt.cdc.gov Passaic County Health Department www.pcdh.org FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) www.fema.gov/ Local Health Department

Summary Bioterrorism is not new Bioterrorism diseases can be treated or prevented There are many systems in place to protect NJ residents NJ’s preparedness improves every day!!

Questions?