FMMS PRIMER ON BIOTERRORISM

All physicians should be on the alert for unusual cases or large clusters of cases of illnesses that resemble the “flu” which could be the first evidence of Bioterrorism.

The occurrence of even a single case of an infection that is not endemic in Fresno-Madera should be reported to the Health Department.

Individual Physicians’ actions (in the case of a Bioterrorism event NOT in their office):

• Keep their offices open.
• Take the Bioagent Infection Control Measures specified on pages 3&4, given the Bioterrorism agent.
• If you have Internet connectivity, log onto http://www.emansandiego.org the Emergency Medical Alert Network for Fresno-Madera. The County disaster plans are posted to this web site.
• If you have a television in your office, turn it on for public health alerts.
• Hospitals actions:
• Be prepared to isolate infected individuals, as appropriate.
• Targeted chemoprophylaxis and vaccination will constitute the best available responses.
• County Public Health actions:
• Initiate prompt investigation of original case.
• Contact identification, interview and investigation.
• Conduct specimen collection, examination, and verification of results.
• Collaborate with State of California and CDC as indicated.
• Notify FBI, State, CDC and the local medical community as appropriate. 
• Conduct heightened surveillance for similar illness.
• Determine need for treatment of contacts, health professionals.
• Assess need for public notification.
• Mobilize additional resources at regional, state and federal levels as needed.
• Maintain constant contact with reporting Doctor and Facility.