2: Bioterrorism and Public Health

Enhance the ability of the Nation's health care system to effectively respond to bioterrorism and other public health challenges

Other Information:

There is little experience, especially in the United States, with the deliberate release of biological agents to cause major disease outbreaks. However, events of the September 2001 terrorist attacks and the subsequent use of anthrax as a biological weapon have focused attention on the increasing possibility of such incidents, particularly to the possibility of terrorist incidents aimed at the civilian population. Concern about deliberate use of disease agents presently focuses on anthrax, as well as smallpox, pneumonic plague, tularemia, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and botulism. To respond to any future bioterrorist attack, a strong public health network (which includes hospitals, health networks, physicians, nurses, mental health workers, and public health officials, for example) would be needed to piece together early reports of a suspected attack, quickly determine what has happened, and mount an effective response to care for casualties and prevent further exposure. Therefore, Goal 2 is concerned with the need to improve our network of infectious disease surveillance, including improving communications, upgrading laboratory facilities, developing advanced diagnostic techniques, and expanding the training of personnel to provide emergency health care.

Objective(s):

2.1: Health Care Capacity

2.2: Food and Product Safety

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