| What is
Biological,
Chemical and Radiological terrorism?
The
intentional
use of biological, chemical and/or radiological agents to cause disease
or death in humans, animals or plants.
History
of
Biological, Chemical and Radiological Terrorism:
Weapons
capable
of causing mass injury, illness, and death have marked their place in
the
history of the 20th century. Although most of this history is related
to
the use of these agents during times of war, the efficiency of these
weapons
has not gone unnoticed by terrorists. Recent threats and use of
biological
and chemical agents against civilians have exposed U.S. vulnerability
and
highlighted the need to enhance our capacity to detect and control
terrorist
acts.
The New
York State
Department of Health has begun planning for intergovernmental
preparedness
and response to potential Biological/Chemical/Nuclear Terrorism. To
prepare
for a possible event, public health officials have begun to devise
strategies
by which morbidity, mortality, and social disruption might be reduced.
How
great is the
threat?
-
Biological, Chemical and
Radiological terrorism
is possible, yet considered unlikely
-
These agents are difficult to
make and disperse
effectively on a widespread scale
-
Some of the agents that might be
used weapons
are smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, nerve or skin blistering
agents.
-
Community planning and
preparedness is ongoing
and can greatly reduce the threat of Biological, Chemical and
Radiological
terrorism
What can
you do to
protect yourself?
-
Be informed and Stay Calm;
-
Be aware/Stay alert -
Information about specific
biological and chemical weapons is available from the New York State
Department
of Health at www.health.state.ny.us and the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention at www.bt.cdc.gov. :
-
Listen to local media for advice
on what to
do in the event of any incident or emergency
-
If you develop unusual or sudden
illness,
call your physician or hospital emergency room immediately.
-
Practice good infection control
-
WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY AND
COMPLETELY
-
For 10-15 seconds
-
Rub longer if hands are
dirty
-
Soap well every part of the
hands (don't forget
between the fingers)
-
Rinse in a flowing stream of
water
-
When there is no water, use
detergent-containing
towelettes and alcohol-based handrubs
-
Dry hands with paper towels or
hand dryers
(operate lever-operated dispensers before washing and activate hand
blowers
with elbows to avoid re-infecting your hands)
Can
I be vaccinated?
-
The public can not get the
anthrax or smallpox
vaccine at present
-
Preventive antibiotics are not
necessary
-
If needed, vaccines and
antibiotics will be
made available
How
prepared is Steuben
County?
-
A countywide emergency plan is
in place to
coordinate police, fire, public health, medical and emergency responses.
-
Health care workers are
receiving training
to increase awareness and reporting of unusual illness.
-
Hospitals report any unusual
patterns of illness
to Steuben County Public Health every 24 hours.
| If
you are concerned that you have been exposed to biological or chemical
weapon call Steuben County Sheriff’s Department at 1-800-724-7777 or
Steuben
County Public Health 607-664-2438 (during business hours)
1-800-836-4444
(after hours and holidays). |
PUBLIC HEALTH
MESSAGE…..
Since September
11, 2001 public concern about the use of biological and chemical agents
by terrorists has greatly increased. The intentional use of biological,
chemical and radiological weapons are possible, though not likely.
Realistically,
these agents are difficult to make and disperse effectively.
Public Health,
medical and emergency personnel are trained to be alert, prepared and
able
to respond to the threat of biological, chemical or radiological
events.
Public Health emergency preparedness is being strengthened to assure
that
we are able to deal with emerging infectious diseases of all types, as
well as being prepared to minimize the effects of a terrorist attack.
Victoria
Fuerst
Steuben County Director of Public Health
|
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Email: