The text below is the written form of the Public Health hotline message on bioterrorism. Phone: (206) 296-4949:

This message provides general information about public health concerns related to bioterrorism.

• If you have a health emergency, please hang up and call 911.
  
• If you have a health concern, please contact your health care provider.

Bioterrorism is the intentional use of infectious agents, or germs, to cause illness. Because of the recent terrorist attack in New York City, concerns about bioterrorism have increased. However, we have no reason to believe that our area is at increased risk for bioterrorism.

Bioterrorism preparedness has been made a national priority and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has worked with state and local health departments to identify and to respond to bioterrorism for several years. The federal response to bioterrorism includes medications, medical supplies, and if necessary, vaccines to protect an affected community.

Public Health - Seattle & King County is aware of the need to be prepared for bioterrorism. For the past 3 years Public Health has worked with the medical community to increase the ability to detect and respond to a bioterrorist attack. Public Health has also developed bioterrorism response plans along with the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If a bioterrorist event occurs in King County, the public would be informed through the news media regarding the best steps to take to protect one's health.

We have recently received a number of inquiries about the availability of smallpox and anthrax vaccines. Anthrax and smallpox have been described as potential bioterrorist weapons.

Anthrax is an infection caused by a bacterium. When persons are exposed to anthrax, antibiotics are the main defense for preventing illness. Anthrax vaccine, if available, can be given to exposed persons along with antibiotic treatment to prevent illness. The U.S. has limited supplies of anthrax vaccine at this time and anthrax vaccine is not recommended or available for routine use.

Smallpox is a severe viral infection that was eliminated from the world in 1980. However, because the smallpox virus has been preserved by some governments, there is a remote risk that smallpox could be used as a weapon. Smallpox vaccinations for the general public were discontinued in the U.S. in 1971 because smallpox no longer occurred and the vaccine was associated with a significant risk of severe side effects. Persons who were immunized against smallpox in the U.S. prior to 1976 are probably no longer protected.

The U.S. has a limited supply of smallpox vaccine for use in case of a smallpox outbreak. Since there is no evidence of a smallpox outbreak or a bioterrorism attack using smallpox, the smallpox vaccine is not recommended or available for public use. As a part of the federal bioterrorism response program, the U.S. government has ordered the production of additional smallpox and anthrax vaccines, which will be available in several years.

Additional information about bioterrorism preparedness, smallpox and anthrax is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.bt.cdc.gov and from the American Academy of Pediatrics at: www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/smlpoxanthrax.htm