-What is a Threatened Bioterrorism Incident?
-How likely is it that I have will be or really been exposed?
-How are these incidents evaluated?
-How will I know if I have been exposed to a hazardous biological agent?
-Do I need to decontaminate myself or throw away my clothing and belongings?
-When you suspect that you may have been exposed to a possible bioterrorism agent
-Do I need treatment with vaccines or medication?
-If I have been exposed, am I a danger to my family?
-Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
What is a threatened Bioterrorism incident?
A threatened bioterrorism incident is an event where an infectious agent has been used to threaten harm to an individual(s). For example, this may occur when an individual receives a letter labeled as or containing a possible bioterrorism agent (anthrax, plague, etc.). Use, threatened use, or the hoax of use of a biological agent as a weapon is a federal crime and will be investigated and prosecuted by law enforcement / FBI agencies” Back to Top
How likely is it that I have will be or really been exposed?
To date, most known incidents have turned out to be hoaxes or false alarms, however, all necessary steps are taken to evaluate possible incidents and provide appropriate care. Back to Top
How are these incidents evaluated?
Your local departments of police, fire, EMS and health as well as the state health department and Center for Disease Control, work with your health care providers and Galion Community Hospital to evaluate each incident. Guidelines established by the health department and the Center for Disease Control are used to determine whether you have been exposed to a real biologic agent that could cause disease, or if you, in fact, do have the disease. This will be done including, but not limiting to: the circumstances of the incident, the suspect material, and the type of exposure that you may have received. Different methods are used with different suspected organisms (germs or agents) and / or methods of spreading the suspected disease. Back to Top
How will I know if I have been exposed to a hazardous biological agent?
Because of the many different types of organisms and toxins that may be used, samples of the suspect material and/or body substances (nasal swabs, blood, etc.) must be collected for laboratory testing. These tests will be able to identify the presence of hazardous biologic substances or toxins in approximately 48 hours. The results will be made available to you as soon as they are available. Back to Top
Do I need to decontaminate myself or throw away my clothing and belongings?
This is a very important question!!!! It is important, if you think you have been exposed to a possible bioterrorism agent, that you do not further contaminate the air, space, or other persons. In fact, should you choose to seek medical care, these steps should be followed prior to coming to the emergency department! Presenting to the emergency department prior to showering and changing your clothing could result in closing part or all of the emergency department, in addition to you unnecessarily exposing air, space and persons. Back to Top
When you suspect that you may have been exposed to a possible bioterrorism agent, you should take the following steps:
Do I need treatment with vaccines or medication?
Most likely not. Most all previous incidents involving bio-terrorism have been hoaxes or false alarms. Should laboratory tests on the suspect material, or your situation indicate that you truly have been exposed to a biologic agent; or the health department or Center for Disease Control suggest treatment, you will most likely not take any medication or treatment for this incident. Should tests indicate you have been exposed, or the Health Department or Center for Disease Control suggest treatment, there are measures that you may be able to take to prevent you from becoming ill. This includes antibiotics and vaccines. Usually, the results of your tests and recommendations from these organizations are needed in order to make the appropriate treatment plan for your case. Back to Top
If I have been exposed, am I a danger to my family?
Most likely not. Most bioterrorism agents are NOT contagious from person-to-person, however, one can never be too careful when it comes to cleanliness and prevention of contamination from wounds, coughing, sneezing, etc. Even in the unlikely event that you truly have been exposed to a contagious bioterrorism agent, you would usually have to become ill yourself prior to being able to spread an infection. There are some measures that will always help prevent the spread of any infection. The following measures are suggested:
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
You may contact your private physician. You may also contact your health department for further information. The numbers are listed below.
Galion City Health Department: (419) 468-1075
Bucyrus City health Department: (419) 562-0351
Crawford County Health Department: (419) 562-5871
Morrow County Health Department: (419) 947-1545
Richland County Health Department: (419) 774-4500
If you live in another county, you may call the Ohio Health Department to determine which local health department is correct for you. (614) 466-3543.
1. This information used in this document was received, copied and paraphrased from the Ohio Department of Health Document: “Threatened Bioterrorism Incident – Information for Potentially Exposed Victims” 10-24-2001 from the Ohio Department of Health Web Site on the World Wide Web at: Threatened Bio-Terrorism Incident for Potentially Exposed Victims.
Document created by the Education Dept. at Galion Community Hospital, 269 Portland Way South, Galion, Ohio, 44833. Back to Top
