Atlanta Healthcare Resources • Healthcare

Terrorism Preparation From Other Guides • Preparing for Disaster or Terrorism

CDC on the Web • Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC(Center for Disease Control and Prevention), located in the Emory University area in Atlanta, is at the forefront of bioterrorism research, extremely important after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Anthrax reared its ugly head soon after the September 11th terrorist attacks, with all of the mail attacks that were responsible for several casualties. The CDC immediately became involved in the subsequent investigation, assisting local, state, and federal agencies by tracking exposures, and processing specimens.

Amidst the Anthrax scare, a far more deadly and dangerous biological weapon was being investigated by the government- Smallpox. Once eradicated from the world, now some officials fear that terrorists have stockpiled the deadly, extremely contagious virus for use against their enemies. There is a vaccine that before 1972 was given routinely, like many other childhood vaccinations. There can be severe side effects from the smallpox vaccine though, and the CDC estimates that anywhere from 300-500 Americans would die from the vaccine if mandatory vaccinations were put into place in the U.S. The CDC has an action plan in place in case of a biological attack using smallpox occurs. As of right now, the government doesn't believe mandatory vaccinations would be prudent. The reason smallpox could be so devastating if ever used as a biological weapon is because the virus is extremely contagious. Also, the fatality rate from smallpox is quite high, 30% according to the CDC. Those that do survive are often left blind or scarred for life.

Unfortunately, these are not the only threats the CDC has to be concerned about. Other potential biological weapons include botulism, plague, and ebola, just to name a few. Also, the CDC is monitoring the potential for our water and food supply to be threatened with biological warfare agents. Then there are the chemical threats, such as sarin gas, which is at the top of the list, since it was used in an attack on a Japanese subway train a few years ago. Forms of cyanide and mustard gas, are among many others are being studied by the CDC. Radiation attacks also pose a threat.

Some experts have criticized the CDC for their slow response to the crises that followed September 11, 2001. In response, the CDC pointed out to their need for more funds to carry out the demands being placed upon them. President Bush approved the increase in funding, and with the appointment of a new director, Dr. Julie Gerberding, the CDC is working dilligently to provide Americans with facts and plans of action in case a biological or chemical attack should ever take place in the United States. After Septemeber 11, 2001, we know that anything is possible, and this makes the CDC's work all that more important.