What you Should Know About Biological and Chemical Terrorism

Public concern about the use of biological and chemical agents by terrorists has greatly increased in Cortland County and around the nation since September 11, 2001. While current events show that the intentional use of biological and chemical weapons is possible, it is not likely in Cortland County. These agents are difficult to make and to disperse effectively.

Public Health, medical and emergency personnel are trained to be alert, prepared and able to respond to the threat of biological and chemical attacks. Public Health emergency preparedness is in place and being strengthened to assure our ability to deal with emerging infectious disease as well as chemical attacks.

What is biological and chemical terrorism?

The intentional use of biological and chemical agents to cause disease or death in man, animals, or plants.

How great is the threat?

• Biological and chemical terrorism is possible however it is considered unlikely in this area.
• These agents are difficult to make and disperse effectively.
• A few agents that are thought possible to be used as weapons are smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, nerve or skin blistering agents.
• Community planning and preparedness is ongoing and can greatly reduce the threat of biological and chemical terrorism.

What can I do to protect myself?

• Be informed and stay calm.
• Don't try to stockpile antibiotics or buy gas masks.
• If you develop unusual or sudden illness, call your physician immediately.

Can I be vaccinated?

• The public can not get anthrax or smallpox vaccines at this time.
• Preventive antibiotics are not necessary.
• If needed, vaccines and antibiotics will be made available.

How prepared is Cortland County?

• A county-wide emergency plan is in place to coordinate police, fire, medical and emergency responses.
• We communicate frequently sharing information to maintain a competent knowledge base.
• We conduct and participate biological and chemical training exercises.
• Medical providers are receiving training to increase awareness and reporting of illness.
• Cortland Memorial Hospital Emergency Department reports any unusual patterns of illness to the County Health Department on a daily basis.
• 911 Center, through TLC, reports numbers of daily calls for flu like illnesses.

Where can I obtain reliable information?

Cortland County Health Department Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Phone 753-5036 New York State Health Department Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U.S. Department of Health and Human Services