Bioterrorism Information

Public Information - Questions & Answers Physician/Provider Information on Bioterrorism Press Releases/Alerts Guidelines for Handling Mail at the WorkPlace Bioterrorism Web Sites

Preparedness activities regarding bioterrorism are currently underway in Santa Cruz County. The Health Services Agency is responding to a number of medical issues specific to bioterrorism. As with any emergency, a coordinated response will be conducted with fire, police, health care providers and other public agencies.

In the case of bioterrorism, the role of the Health Services Agency involves detection, surveillance, laboratory analysis, emergency response, treatment, and communication with the public. There is no doubt that the critical element in responding to a bioterrorist attack is early detection and recognition. The Health Services Agency is working with local, state and federal officials to expand our surveillance systems to detect unusual or suspicious disease occurrences. Additionally, specific information about the unusual diseases that might be the result of a bioterrorist attack is being distributed to all local emergency rooms and to every physician and health care provider in the county.

Hopefully, we will never need to use the preparation plans being developed. However, it is critical that we are well prepared. The Health Services Agency will continue to fulfill its essential role in emergency preparedness.

The following web sites offer additional information related to bioterrorism:

• Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response - Bioterrorism resources from the CDC

• John Hopkins University (Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies)

• UCSF (University of San Francisco) - Web links regarding bioterrorism