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Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism is the intentional release of harmful bacteria, viruses, or germs (called agents) to cause disease or death in man, animals or plants. Examples of some of these biological agents would be smallpox, tularemia, plague, botulism, anthrax, and viral hemorrhagic fever. A county-wide emergency plan is in place to coordinate police, fire, medical and emergency responses. Hospitals report to the Rensselaer County Health Department any unusual patterns of illness on a daily basis. 911 calls are monitored daily for sudden unusual illness.

A bioterrorist attack is unlikely, however if an atatck did take place you should:

  1. Be informed and remain calm
  2. Listen for and follow instructions.
  3. Local authorities will give instructions.
  4. Listen to reliable radio and TV reports.
  5. If you are at work, follow your emergency plan.

Further information can be obtained at www.CDC.gov

What You Should Know About Biological & Chemical Terrorism

A Public Health Message...

Since September 11, 2001 public concern about the use of biological and chemical agents by terrorists has greatly increased in Rensselaer County. The intentional use of biological and chemical weapons is possible, yet not likely. Realistically, these agents are difficult to make and to disperse effectively.
Public health, medical and emergency personnel are trained to be alert, prepared and able to respond to the threat of biological and chemical attacks. Public health emergency preparedness is in place and being strengthened to assure our ability to deal with emerging infectious diseases as well as chemical attacks.

Denise M. Ayers, FNP
Public Health Director
Rensselaer County

What is bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism is the intentional release of harmful bacteria, viruses, or germs (called agents) to cause disease or death in man, animals or plants. Examples of some of these biological agents would be smallpox, tularemia, plague, botulism, anthrax, and viral hemorrhagic fever.

How great is the threat?

  • Biological and chemical terrorism is possible, yet considered unlikely.
  • These agents are difficult to make and disperse effectively.
  • A few agents that are thought possible to be used as weapons are Smallpox,Anthrax, Plague, Botulism, and Nerve or Skin Blistering Agents.
  • Community planning and preparedness is ongoing and can greatly reduce the threat of biological and chemical terrorism.

Can I be vaccinated?

  • The public can not get Anthrax or Smallpox vaccines at this time.
  • Preventive antibiotics are not necessary.
  • If needed, vaccines and antibiotics will be made available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where To Obtain Reliable Information:
Rensselaer County Department of Health
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
Phone: 270-2655

New York State Department of Health
http://www.health.state.ny.us

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

What You Should Know About Biological & Chemical Terrorism?
Stay Alert , Remain Calm and Use Common Sense.

Is it necessary to buy a gas mask?
Most experts don’t think so. For it to help, you would have to wear it during the attack and most attacks come without warning.

What can you do to protect yourself?

  • Stay alert, especially in public places.
  • Follow the rules in airports, tourist sites and other public places.
  • Report packages or bags left unattended or anyone acting suspiciously.
  • Don’t try to stockpile antibiotics or buy gas masks.
  • If you develop unusual or sudden illness, call your physician immediately.

What do I do if an attack takes place?

  • Be informed and remain calm.
  • Listen for and follow instructions.
  • Local authorities will give instructions.
  • Listen to reliable radio or TV reports
  • If you’re at work, follow your emergency or escape plan.

How Prepared is Rensselaer County?

  • A county-wide emergency plan is in place to coordinate police, fire, medical and emergency responses.
  • We are conducting biological and chemical training exercises.
  • Medical providers are receiving training to increase awareness and reporting of illness.
  • Hospitals report to the Health Department any unusual patterns of illness every 24 hours.
  • 911 calls are monitored daily for sudden unusual illness.