Biological weapons represent a unique "environmental" hazard. The pathogens involved are natural in the sense that they are risks that naturally occur in our environment. However they are unnatural in the way in which they are inflicted upon society. This presentation will describe public health measures to protect, respond to, and defend against the adverse health effects of biological terrorism or disasters due to deadly pathogens. Planning and training involving all organizations potentially involved in responding - from emergency managers to public health officials to hospital administrators and staff--is essential. Expanded public health laboratory capacity, increased surveillance (disease monitoring) and outbreak response capacity, and health communication and training, with focused public health preparedness resources at the state and local level, are necessary to ensure that we will be able to respond effectively to this unique "environmental" disaster.
Learning Objectives: NA
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.