Emergency Preparedness and Response

We cannot know how likely it is that terrorists will use biological weapons against our general population and we have no evidence that Texas County would be a target of bioterrorism. However, we do know that the technology to produce and use dangerous biological agents is potentially available to people who might be willing to use them. Because the consequences of such an attack could be severe, we need to be prepared to respond as quickly and effectively as possible.

The best defense against bioterrorism is a strong public health system. In response to the threat of bioterrorism, Congress authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to coordinate efforts to upgrade national public health capability to counter bioterrorism. Following this mandate, the CDC established the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program in 1999. Under this program, resources have been allocated to strengthen our capacity to detect, communicate and respond to potential bioterrorism events. 

Should we be spending all of this money on bioterrorism when we have other immediate health needs?

The effects of bioterrorism are so potentially devastating, that we need to do all we can to prepare for a possible attack. However,  most of what we do to strengthen our public health system against bioterror attacks also strengthens our ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases like SARS, West Nile virus, other diseases, and other health emergencies

Many of the same steps you would take to prepare yourself and your family for a natural disaster such as a flood or major storm would also be helpful in preparing for an incident of bioterrorism. For instance, making plans for getting in touch with family members after a disaster and preparing emergency kits for your home, work, and your children's school are simple things you can do. You should recognize, however, that some preparedness items or actions that could prove valuable in some emergency situations might not be useful in the special case of bioterrorism. Bioterrorism is different from terrorist attacks that involve explosives or chemicals.

The Texas County Health Department has an important responsibility for helping protect your community against outbreaks of infectious disease, whether they occur in nature or because of a terrorist act. We can assist you with additional bioterrorism-related concerns that are pertinent to your own community.