Bioterrorism and public health: an Internet resource guide

Abstract

From the Book: The sudden appearance of cases of both cutaneous and inhalational anthrax following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 raised for the first time the very real and frightening specter of bioterrorism on U.S. soil. Although investigators have not found any connection between the September 11 terrorists and the anthrax-laced letters, there is no question that certain individuals, whether domestic or foreign, intentionally sought to spread the deadly anthrax bacteria through the mail. Agencies of the federal government, including the FBI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immediately moved into high gear to identify the source and potential impact of anthrax on the population at large. Little historic and epidemiologic experience existed regarding anthrax as a biological weapon, other than simulated studies and laboratory research at secret military installations in the U.S., Russia, and certain other countries, both friendly and hostile. Biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction have been on the drawing boards for many years, even in the U.S., while international commissions have sought to outlaw their existence. What the public has not been prepared for is the actual deployment of these weapons in the U.S., and the corresponding public health, social, and psychological impact of these weapons. The purpose of this book is to bring together the extensive resources that now exist, both organizational and informational, in the bioterrorism and public health arenas. The unique focus of this book is its directory section of more than 500 Web sites covering government agencies, organizations, research centers, and clinical and public health information sources. Enhancing this content is material from the new federal Office of Public Health Preparedness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies. We hope our readers will find this compilation useful from several points of view. General information is available on bioterrorism, including biological, chemical, agricultural, and waterborne biowarfare. Readers will also find Web sites posting the latest news and developments, along with online newsletters from federal and public health agencies related to bioterrorism and homeland security. Policymakers will find resources on public policy guidelines, conventions, analysis, and legislation, while emergency response professionals will find sections on public preparedness and response, hazardous materials, and decontamination. Information on specific infectious diseases associated with bioterrorism will be of interest to clinicians and epidemiologists, accompanied by disease management guidelines and consensus statements. A section specific to mental health is also included. Consumer-oriented information includes guidelines for personal health and safety and disaster readiness, as well as listings of hotlines, mailing lists, and alerting services. Finally, public health professionals will find a variety of resources covering educational opportunities, implementation of public health response plans, and conferences and symposia. Overall, we believe that this guidebook will be a useful resource for many different audiences, and that it will serve as an educational guide for the American public as we face these new challenges as a nation. —Daniel R. Goldenson, Publisher