The method used in a bioterrorist attack may be much different today, but the biological agents that would likely be used are much the same.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have listed six Category A Agents, based on how easy they are to obtain, weaponize and disseminate, and how much death, damage or fear they might cause.

These Category A Agents are:
     Anthrax
     Smallpox
     Tularemia (rabbit fever)
     Botulism
     Plague
     Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Although many residents may not believe McDonald County would be targeted in a bioterrorist attack, several key agencies in the county are partnering to prepare for a potential attack.

These key agencies include:
     Public Health Department
     Office of Emergency Management
     Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
     Law Enforcement
     Fire Protection
     Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
     School Districts
     . . . and more.

An integral part of local preparedness efforts is the routine disease surveillance the McDonald County Health Department participates in on a daily basis. This active surveillance will alert Health Department officials to a biological disease outbreak or bioterrorist attack.

Surveillance detects changes in trends or distribution of diseases so that investigation, prevention, and disease control can be initiated in the community.

The McDonald County Public Health Department maintains regular contact with a representative group of local disease reporters, such as schools, hospitals, physicians and nurses, who provide daily or weekly information about diseases occurring in their communities. This enables the Health Department to have a clear picture of the occurrence of disease in their community.

Since there are many disease-causing organisms that could be used by terrorists to cause a large outbreak affecting many people, knowing what is normal for this community is critical. When there are more reports of a specific disease than would be expected, the Health Department can begin to investigate why this is happening.

In some instances, one case of a disease is cause for concern. Anthrax would be one example. In other instances, many cases, of salmonella for example, clustered in a community or facility would be cause for concern.

All disease surveillance provides data that the Health Department can use to develop a comprehensive picture of what is happening. It is one concrete method of constantly monitoring the health of the public, so an unusual disease is identified quickly or an unusual number of cases of a disease are known quickly.

Timing is everything with diseases - finding them early before many people become ill and implementing prevention and control measures to keep others from becoming ill is what surveillance is all about.

Information from a June 2003 article written by Lyn Konstant, Ph.D., Office of Surveillance

Medication Dispensing Sites

If a bioterrorist attack or a bilogical agent release occured, there may be a need to give vaccinations or medication to many or all county residents.

In that case, Medication Dispensing Sites in McDonald County would be identified and quickly opened to the public. Free medication would be given to anyone affected by the release or attack.

County residents would be notified through a credible news source such as radio or television when and where to report to receive medication.

You can help local officials prepare for emergencies, bioterrorism or natural disasters by taking steps today to protect yourself and your family.

     Educate yourself on the threats of bioterrorism.
     Prepare for unexpected events.                                   Español
     Have an emergency plan for your family.                     Español
     Pack a Disaster Prep Kit.                                             Español
     Understand what it means to shelter-in-place.             Español
     Volunteer in your community.
          Citizens Corps
          Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
          Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
          Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP)
          Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
          American Red Cross
          Other civic and community groups
     Give blood.
     Live life! Remember, keep the threat of bioterrorism in perspective, and enjoy life!