Bioterrorism Links:
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID),Fort Detrick, Maryland
As the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical aspects of biological warfare defense,USAMRIID conducts research to develop vaccines, drugs and diagnostics for laboratory and field use.In addition to developing medical countermeasures, USAMRIID formulates strategies, information,procedures, and training programs for medical defense against biological threats.
- USAMRIID Educational Courses on Bioterrorism
USAMRIID offers specialized training for military and civilian health care providers to enhance their capability to diagnose and treat casualties of biological warfare or terrorism. In addition to a quarterly in-house course, a three-day satellite broadcast is offered each year for continuing medical education
- USAMRIID's Medical Management Of Biological Casualties Handbook
"The Bluebook" One of the most comprehensive resources for the medical provider on recognition, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and infection control for bioterrorism agents. Downloadable in multiple formats
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program at the CDC is devoted to coordinating a public health response to a bioterrorist attack. This website provides information about chemical and biological agents, press releases, training, contacts, and other important information relating to the public health aspects of bioterrorism preparedness and response.
Interim Recommended Notification Procedures for Local and State Public Health Department Leaders in the Event of a Bioterrorist Incident
CDC Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines
Up-to-date as of October 30, 2002. This new version includes a vaccination clinic guide. Downloadable as MS Word or Adobe Acrobat format
ACIP October 2002 Smallpox Vaccination Recommendations
Up-to-date as of October 21, 2002. Provides specific recommendations to the CDC for Phase I smallpox immunization of health care workers
ACIP June 2002 Smallpox Vaccination Recommendations
Up-to-date as of October 21, 2002. Provides specific recommendations to the CDC for smallpox immunization of health care workers
CDC Smallpox Vaccination and Adverse Events Training Module
Up-to-date as of October 30, 2002. An excellent self navigating tutorial module designed for physicians, nurses, vaccine clinics and other health care providers.
Infection Control Aspects for Smallpox Control from the CDC
Summary page and excerpts from CDC Smallpox Response Plan.
Henderson et al. Smallpox as a biologic weapon. JAMA. 1999;281:2127-2137
Specific recommendations are made regarding smallpox vaccination, therapy, postexposure isolation and infection control, hospital epidemiology and infection control, home care, decontamination of the environment, and additional research needs. In the event of an actual release of smallpox and subsequent epidemic, early detection, isolation of infected individuals, surveillance of contacts, and a focused selective vaccination program will be the essential items of an effective control program.
APIC Bioterrorism Readiness Plan: A Template for Healthcare Facilities
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology's template for healthcare facilities that outlines the steps necessary for responding to the biological agents most likely to be employed in any future biological attack: smallpox, botulism toxin, anthrax,and plague.
Johns Hopkins University Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies
Accurate, updated information on bioterriorism and biodefense, including fact sheets on specific agents and their diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Also includes a bibliography of pertinent articles from the peer reviewed literature.
Free CME on anthrax, smallpox and other rare infections!
This new web site has been designed by the Center for Disaster Preparedness at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The site is the first to offer free continuing education credits in bioterrorism preparedness to clinicians. Currently, the site offers five online courses that cover identification of illnesses related to bioterroism agents and include case-based scenarios and photos followed by multiple choice questions.
These courses are intended for emergency department workers including physicians, nurses, radiologists, pathologists and infection control specialists. One hour of CME credit for each course is offered through the University of Alabama Office of Continuing Medical Education.
World Health Organization (WHO): Responding to the deliberate use of biological agents and chemicals as weapons
An overview of the WHO's programs in this area. Includes information on global surveillance, technical guides, real time alerts and rapid response.