What is Bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism can be defined as "the use of biological agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins) to intentionally produce disease in a group of people to meet terrorists aims."

What are Some of the Bioterrorism Threat Diseases?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed a group of diseases that are of "highest concern" because they cause high mortality, cause public panic and fear; require special action for public health preparedness and, in certain cases, can be spread person-to-person.  This "Category A" list includes the biological agents that cause anthrax, pneumonic plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, and the viral hemorrhagic fevers.  Anthrax, botulism, and tularemia are not contagious and do not pass from person-to-person.  These diseases can also occur naturally.

What is Public Health's Responsibility Related to Bioterrorism?
Public Health has a critically important role in Bioterrorism preparedness and response that includes surveillance and early detection, laboratory support, communicable disease control and preventive measures.  We have existing systems for identification and investigation of disease outbreaks that could be the first indication of a biological attack.  Public Health is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Tuscola County residents.  We place the most emphasis on efforts that provide long-term protection.

Is Public Health Prepared to Respond to Bioterrorism?
Public Health has expanded our established emergency/disaster response plan to include required response actions for a bioterrorism event.  We conduct exercises and train staff and plan to conduct bioterrorism drills in the future.  Further, Public Health works with multiple agencies such as law enforcement, the medical community, fire departments, Office of Emergency Management Services, EMS, and other city, county, and state officials to ensure readiness and coordinate any response.

Michigan's New Web Site

A new state web site specifically designed to provide proactive emergency planning information for individuals, families, and businesses made its electronic debut today, marking a critical point in the states effort to educate the public on what to do during a potential crisis.

Effective planning and preparation can help ensure Michigan citizens are safe in a time of emergency, said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. Our state's new web site can help in that preparation.

The web site - www.michigan.gov/prepare - offers citizens the latest available information on family preparedness, chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies, natural disasters, and severe weather. The site features state resources, as well as links to other federal assets that are considered the last word for family emergency preparedness. The site is a compilation of resources from multiple state agencies - all of whom have contributed content for emergency preparedness - including the Michigan State Police and its Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, and the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH), Agriculture (MDA), Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Natural Resources (DNR).

"The debut of this web site is especially timely given that September is National Preparedness Month," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, Director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "During this month, I encourage all citizens to take a few moments to review the valuable resources available on this site."

Through www.michigan.gov/prepare , individuals can access a wide range of health information, said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. We want this web site to be the first place citizens around the state visit to protect themselves both before and during a potential crisis.

Olszewski said Michigan also is undertaking a marketing campaign with television, radio, and print advertising to make citizens aware that the new web site exists. Television and radio commercials for the new web site began today around the state.

"It is important for all of us to be prepared for accidents that can jeopardize the health of our families," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "By better understanding how to respond to an emergency situation, we can all help to keep Michigan safe."

"Utilizing the food safety guidelines found on this web site will help protect Michigan families from farm to fork," said Mitch Irwin, MDA director. "Preserving the viability of the state's food supply is MDA's top priority as evidenced by the recent E.coli outbreak."