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DIVISION
OF HEALTH PROTECTION
Bioterrorism
Preparedness
Bioterrorism is defined as the use of
biological agents, such as diseases or agricultural pests, for
terrorist purposes. Although
the risk of a terrorist attack on Adams County itself is small, a
release of a disease can have a widespread affect throughout our
region.
In its goal to prevent the spread of disease, the Adams County Health
Department Division of Health Protection plays an active role in
preparing for the possibility of a bioterrorism incident that would
affect Adams County.
Through constant monitoring of communicable
illnesses as they occur in our area, we are able to detect unusual
patterns of disease outbreak and transmission.
Through investigation of these outbreaks, we are frequently
able to trace the source of the disease and prevent its further
spread. We also track
reports of food borne illness to detect and stop the spread of
disease from contaminated food.
In the event of a bioterrorist release anywhere in the U.S.,
local, state and federal health agencies would work as a team to
ensure that the occurrence of the disease is kept to a minimum.
An act of terrorism (or a large-scale natural
disaster) targeting the U.S. civilian population will require rapid
access to large quantities of medicines and medical supplies.
Such quantities may not be readily available on a local
level, and the supplies that are available will be depleted quickly.
Throughout the U.S., there are strategically placed stores of
antibiotics and medications that could be used to treat a disease
outbreak. These
medications can be shipped to areas of an outbreak within 12 hours
of their request.
Long before an emergency occurs, local officials make plans to
respond to intentional or natural disasters. The Adams County Health Department has performed an essential
role in this planning when it comes to the health of our citizens.
If a large number of people in our community were to become
ill with a specific disease, we will need to act rapidly to protect
our residents. The goal
is to be able to treat large numbers of people in a short period of
time. ACHD has
developed a plan for the receipt and distribution of stockpiled
medications. This plan
is under constant revision to keep it up to date with our changing
population. Although
most of the information in the plan is not available to the public,
you can visit the following websites for further details:
Illinois
Department of Public Health
Centers
for Disease Control (CDC)
For more information on emergency
preparedness at the Adams County Health Department, call (217)
222-8440, Ext 148.
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