NCJ Number
189451
Journal
Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 1999 Pages: 540-546
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The paper provides a hypothetical medical and governmental response to a biological terrorist attack using smallpox.
Abstract
The U.S. Vice President makes public appearances in a city of 2.5 million people April 1. April 8: The FBI reports rumors that something happened during the Vice President's visit. April 12: a university student and electrician visit the emergency complaining of fever and severe muscle aches. They are discharged with orders to take ibuprofen and drink fluids. They return days later with the same symptoms plus a rash. Hospital health officials raise the possibility of smallpox. When a test indicates the smallpox virus, the hospital declares a contagious disease emergency. The two patients are moved to special rooms, and staff tries to discover who has had contact with the patients. Other hospital, city and State officials and the FBI are contacted. Visitors to the hospital are angered when they are told without explanation that they cannot leave. News media report rumors and provide false information. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirms the virus. The president addresses the country. April 16: the National Security Council asks whether a quarantine is necessary. The State health commissioner presses for a city-wide vaccination, but the FBI and CDC are reluctant until the outbreak is better understood. CDC officials establish a statewide surveillance system, and the State health department activates a phone tree to query hospitals about similar cases and advises isolation of suspected patients. More cases are identified. Starting April 17, 80,000 people are vaccinated in four days. April 19: the first-diagnosed patient dies. As cases spread to other States, governors demand vaccines. May 1: 700 cases have been reported with a mortality rate of 30 percent. By mid-June 15,000 cases have been reported in the U.S. with some worldwide. By year's end, the disease has spread to 14 countries, and the World Health Organization opens debate about an eradication program.