Disease Fact Sheet Series:
Possible Bioterrorism Incident
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What
is a possible bioterrorism incident?
A
bioterrorism incident is an event during which an infectious or chemical
agent has been used to threaten harm to an individual (s). For example,
this may occur when a person receives a letter labeled with or mentioning
the name of a possible bioterrorist chemical or biologic agent (e.g.
anthrax) or a telephone caller threatens to use such an agent as a
weapon. Use or threatened use of any chemical or biologic agent as a
weapon is a federal crime and will be thoroughly investigated and
prosecuted by the FBI and police departments.
How
likely is it that I have actually been exposed to a bioterrorism agent?
To
date all such previously known incidents in Wisconsin have been hoaxes. Even when we suspect that an event is a hoax, we’ll
take all necessary steps to evaluate the incident and assure your safety.
What
will be done to evaluate this incident?
State
and local public health, emergency and law enforcement agencies will work
together to evaluate this incident. They will determine whether you have
been exposed to a real chemical or biologic agent that could cause
disease. Examining the circumstances of the incident, the suspect
material, and the type of exposure that you may have received will do
this.
When
will I know if I have been exposed to a hazardous biologic agent?
Because
different organisms and toxins may be used as bioterrorism agents, the
suspect material must be collected for laboratory testing. These tests
will be able to identify the presence of hazardous biologic agents or
toxins in approximately 24-48 hours. For some agents preliminary results
may be available within 4-6 hours of initiation of laboratory processing.
The results will be discussed with all exposed persons as soon as they are
available.
Do
I need to decontaminate myself, or throw away my clothes and belongings?
Emergency
personnel should have already instructed you to wash your hands and any
other part of your body in contact with the suspect material with soap and
water. In some cases, a dilute solution of bleach will also be used to
decontaminate you and/or your clothing. Unless specifically instructed to
do so, you do not need to perform other decontamination procedures
or discard your belongings. If necessary, emergency personnel will perform
decontamination of the environment in which the suspect material was
found.
Do
I need any treatment now, such as antibiotics or vaccines?
To
date the vast majority of incidents have not required any preventive
treatment. Even in the unlikely event that this is not a hoax, your risk
of becoming ill generally is very small. Should the laboratory tests on
the suspect material indicate that you truly have been exposed to a
biologic agent, there are medications that you can take to prevent you
from becoming ill. Results of
the tests will be back in time for you to receive preventive treatment.
The results of the laboratory tests are needed to make the best possible
recommendations.
Am
I a risk to my family? Can I spread anything?
Most
of the diseases caused by bioterrorist agents (e.g.,
anthrax) are NOT contagious from person to person. Even in the likely
event that you truly have been exposed to a contagious agent of
bioterrorism, you would have to become ill yourself to be able to spread
the agent to another person. Results of the laboratory tests on the
suspect material will be available in time for you to take appropriate
measures to prevent you from spreading anything to your family.
What
should I do now?
You
must complete the Wisconsin Health Data Collection Form before you leave
the site of the incident. This is so we will know how to contact you with
the results of our investigation. After emergency personnel authorize you
to leave, you may continue your usual activities at work or home. It is
not necessary for you to visit a hospital or doctor’s office. If you
wish to contact your private physician to discuss your possible exposure,
please feel free to do so. As a precaution, we recommend that you take
your temperature daily to watch for fever.
What
should I do if I develop any signs or symptoms of illness before the
results of laboratory tests are ready?
If
you should develop any symptoms or a fever (greater than a 100.00F),
please immediately contact your doctor; you and/or your doctor should also
contact medical staff at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau
of Communicable Disease at 608-267-9003 (608-258-0099 after hours). We will make recommendations to you and
your health care providers regarding how to best evaluate and treat your
symptoms based on the circumstances of the exposure.
When
will it be safe for me to return to this building?
Emergency
and public health agencies will notify building managers regarding when it
is safe to reopen the building in question. If you work in this building,
you’re supervisor will then contact you when it is safe to return. Most
biologic agents do NOT stay in a building for prolonged periods of time
and continue to cause disease.
Who
can my doctor or I contact if we have questions?
If
you or your physicians have medical questions about your possible
exposure, please contact the medical staff at the Wisconsin Division of
Public Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease:
During
normal business hours: 608-267-9003
Nights, weekends, or holidays 608-258-0099
Should
you become ill, exhibit cold or flu like symptoms in the next 48-72 hours
you should do the following:
-
Proceed
immediately to the emergency department at ______________________________
hospital, and inform them you have potentially been exposed to
_____________________.
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Contact
the _______________________ Health Department at
___________________________________________________.
-
Should
you have any additional questions please contact _________________________ at _______________________.
P-42106
(05/04)
For more information, contact your
Local
Public Health Department
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Last Revised: September 08, 2010
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