NCJ Number
195661
Editor(s)
John G. Bartlett M.D.,
Tara O'Toole M.D.,
Thomas V. Inglesby M.D.,
Michael Mair
Date Published
2002
Length
317 pages
Annotation
This informational book and web site directory, directed to the American public and to public health professionals for informational purposes only, gathers together existing organizational and informational resources in the bioterror and public health arenas, containing general information on bioterrorism including biological, chemical, agricultural, and waterborne biowarfare.
Abstract
The goal of the book is to expose readers to Web sites covering hundreds of topics, and is intended to be used for informational purposes only with final medical advice and a plan of action coming from a physician only. The informational areas covered include Department of Health and Human Services preparedness, frequently asked questions about bioterrorism, and funding for bioterrorism preparedness and response. It addresses bioterrorism public health advisories and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, including frequently asked questions about anthrax, strategic plans for preparedness, children and anthrax, how to distinguish inhalational anthrax from influenza-like illness, epidemiology of bioterrorism, recognizing and handling a suspicious package or envelope, protecting workers from exposure to Bacillus anthracis in mail handling work sites, use of ciprofloxacin or doxycycline for postexposure prophylaxis for prevention of inhalation anthrax, guidelines for interim investigation of and response to Bacillus anthracis exposures, performing environmental sampling while protecting investigators, recognizing illness caused by release of a biologic agent, treating asymptomatic pregnant women exposed to Bacillus anthracis, onsite technologies for assessing B. anthracis contamination on surfaces of buildings, and smallpox vaccine recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The last half of the book directs readers to related web sites and online newsletters addressing such issues as public policy, conventions, analysis, and legislation; public preparedness and response, hazardous material, and decontamination; educational opportunities; public health response plans; specific infectious diseases associated with bioterrorism; and also consumer-oriented information for personal health, safety, and disaster readiness information. eMedguides.com are organized web sites with listings for each major medical specialty.