Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is bioterrorism?
Biological terrorism is the use of biologic
agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, or biological toxins)
to intentionally produce disease or intoxication in a
susceptible population to meet terrorist aims.
2. What are some of the diseases
possibly associated with an act of biological terrorism?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) have listed a group of diseases that are of highest
concern because they have one or more of these characteristics:
can be easily spread person to person; can cause high
mortality; can cause public panic and fear; or can require
special action for public health preparedness. This "Category
A" list includes the biological agents that cause
anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, and the
viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.
3. How likely is a biological terrorism
attack in Madera County?
The likelihood of a large-scale bioterrorist
event is currently thought to be low, given the high level
of technical sophistication required to develop a weapon
to disperse the biologic agents in the manner necessary
to infect massive numbers of persons. Nonetheless, the
Madera County Public Health Department is focusing its
efforts on improving the ability to detect and respond
to such an event, should it occur.
4. How prepared is Madera County
for a biological terrorism attack?
Madera County has emergency response plans
in place to deal with hazardous chemical or biological
events, as well as other disasters; the County agencies
exercise these plans on a regular basis. These plans involve
the coordination of multiple agencies involved in law
enforcement, public health, fire, emergency medical services,
and disaster response, in conjunction with other city,
county, state, and federal officials. Early detection
will be very important so that persons at risk can be
identified and managed appropriately. Stockpiles of antibiotics
that are effective against the most likely bacterial bioterrorist
agents can be obtained within 24 hours and made available
in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
5. What can I do to protect myself
and my family against biological terrorism?
Prepare as you would for an earthquake or
other emergency, including ensuring that you have a portable
radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and several days'
supply of food and water for your family. Have a plan
to contact all family members if something happens during
the work day. Public Health or another authorized agency
will use the news media to release information and instructions
you may need to protect your health.
