NCJ Number
177836
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 1999 Pages: 14-33
Editor(s)
Janet K. Hawkins
Date Published
1999
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article suggests actions and tactics to cope with bioterrorist assaults.
Abstract
Believing that a strong and flexible public health infrastructure is the best defense against any disease outbreak, including a pandemic or terrorist attack involving anthrax, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Office of Public Health and Safety, suggests joint efforts involving state and local health departments, other Federal agencies, agencies of first responders and international partners to develop response plans; and enhanced national “surge” capacity for responding to outbreaks of unusual size, duration or severity. The CDC plans to implement the following recommendations: (1) establish emergency mechanisms that provide extra resources, including personnel; (2) maintain its expertise in infectious diseases; (3) ensure availability of adequate scientific and support staff; (4) ensure that emergency procurement procedures are in place; (5) establish a computer network dedicated to gathering epidemiologic and laboratory data during outbreaks; and (6) assist the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, private industry, other governments and international organizations.