The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4137.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - Board 5

Abstract #52466

A mass prophylaxis operation: Lessons from anthrax in Washington, DC

Karyn Berry, z, z, z, z, AL 12345, 123456789, z@z.com

In October 2001, the deliberate release of anthrax spores in the Brentwood Postal Facility in Washington DC resulted in five confirmed cases of inhalational anthrax among regional postal workers. This act of bioterrorism necessitated the deployment of the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile to begin a mass prophylaxis in the Washington metropolitan area. Within a two week period, more than 300 District of Columbia Department of Health personnel, along with our federal (US Public Health Service) and local partners, participated in this operation which identified 17,759 persons as having potential exposure to anthrax spores. All of these persons were evaluated and treated at a designated central distribution field site. Utilizing a modification of the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile Use Plan, over 978,000 tablets/capsules were distributed to those at risk. The poster will describe four components that have been identified as necessary for the coordination and organization of a mass prophylaxis operation: 1) event management, 2) risk communication, 3) medication distribution, and 4) resource management. Successful mobilization for mass prophylaxis requires the development of a response plan that incorporates all four necessary elements.

Learning Objectives: The poster will describe four components that have been identified as necessary for the coordination and organization of a mass prophylaxis operation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Latebreaker Posters in Injury Control

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA