Community reaction to bioterrorism: prospective study of simulated outbreak.

Cleto Digiovanni,Robert Harwell,Frederick M Burkle,Barbara Reynolds,Elliott B Stonecipher

doi:10.3201/eid0906.020769

Abstract

To assess community needs for public information during a bioterrorism-related crisis, we simulated an intentional Rift Valley fever outbreak in a community in the southern part of the United States. We videotaped a series of simulated print and television “news reports” over a fictional 9-day crisis period and invited various groups (e.g., first-responders and their spouses or partners, journalists) within the selected community to view the videotape and respond to questions about their reactions. All responses were given anonymously. First-responders and their spouses or partners varied in their reactions about how the crisis affected family harmony and job performance. Local journalists exhibited considerable personal fear and confusion. All groups demanded, and put more trust in, information from local sources. These findings may have implications for risk communication during bioterrorism-related outbreaks.

Highlights

To assess community needs for public information during a bioterrorism-related crisis, we simulated an intentional Rift Valley fever outbreak in a community in the southern part of the United States
RVFV transmission information was given by federal authorities at the televised press conference, as well as by academic experts interviewed on television after the press conference
Approximately 50% of participants said that they would compete for RVFV vaccine for themselves and their families; the largest demand came from the media

Summary

Introduction

To assess community needs for public information during a bioterrorism-related crisis, we simulated an intentional Rift Valley fever outbreak in a community in the southern part of the United States. We videotaped a series of simulated print and television “news reports” over a fictional 9day crisis period and invited various groups (e.g., firstresponders and their spouses or partners, journalists) within the selected community to view the videotape and respond to questions about their reactions. First-responders and their spouses or partners varied in their reactions about how the crisis affected family harmony and job performance. Put more trust in, information from local sources. These findings may have implications for risk communication during bioterrorism-related outbreaks

Methods

Results

Conclusion