ACC Information Clearinghouse on Biological Threats

ACC Information Clearinghouse on Biological Threats
(as of November 27, 2001)

In the wake of recent events involving the use of the biological agent anthrax, the ACC has developed an information clearinghouse to help members respond to the threat of biological terrorism. This clearinghouse is a repository for links to information from various sources on how best to respond to this threat. This page will be updated as needed in the coming weeks and months. We hope you find it useful.

What biological agents might be used by terrorists?

How do these agents present clinically? What should I be looking for?

What should I tell my patients if they have concerns or think they are infected with one of these agents?

Who do I need to notify in the event of a suspected or real case of infection with one of these agents?

What do I need to do in my office/facility in the event of a suspected or real case? How do I contain the threat?

Where can I get up-to-date news on anthrax investigations and other biological threats?

What biological agents might be used by terrorists?
		Facts about biological agents—from the CDC.
		Detailed information on biological and chemical agents—from the CDC.
		Background information on anthrax—from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
		Background information on smallpox—from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
How do these agents present clinically? What should I be looking for?
		Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Updated reports on anthrax investigation—from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
		Upcoming and previous webcasts on responding to biological terrorism —from the CDC.
		Clinical presentation of inhalational anthrax following Bioterroism Exposure—from the Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 28, 2001.
		Anthrax information for clinicians (update)—from the Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies/Infectious Disease Society of America.
		Medical aspects of biological terrorism—from ACP-ASIM.
		Consensus statements on responding to biological threats—from the Journal of the American Medical Association.
		Help with differential diagnosis—from the University of Alabama at Birmingam.
		"Biological Warfare and its cutaneous manifestations"—from the Electronic Textbook of Dermatology.
What should I tell my patients if they have concerns or think they are infected with one of these agents?
		Guidance on use of antibiotics for anthrax—from the American Medical Association.
		Q&A on Cipro—from the FDA.
		Q&A on anthrax prevention and treatment—from the Department of Health and Human Services.
		Symptoms checklist for biological agents—from CBS HealthWatch by Medscape.
		Consumer-friendly information on biological threats—from WebMD.
		- Anthrax: questions and answers
		- The dangers of smallpox and anthrax
		- Biological and chemical agents
		Consumer-friendly information on biological threats—from Intelihealth.
		- Frequently asked questions about anthrax
		- What's the true risk of anthrax infection
Who do I need to notify in the event of a suspected or real case of infection with one of these agents?
		Recommended notification procedures for local and state public health departments—from the CDC.
		State public health department Web sites—from the FDA.
		Directory of State Public Health Offices—from StatePublicHealth.org.
What do I need to do in my office/facility in the event of a suspected or real case? How do I contain the threat?
		Anthrax in the workplace risk reduction matrix—from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
		How to handle anthrax and other biological agent threats—from the CDC.
		Patient isolation precautions—from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.
		A checklist on preparing for biological and chemical terrorism—from the American Hospital Association.
Where can I get up-to-date news on anthrax investigations and other biological threats?
		Register for breaking news by email from:
		- ABC News
		- CNN
		- Fox News
		- MSNBC
		Up-to-date information on biological threats is also available from:
		- The CDC media center
		- The Washington Post Web site
		- USA Today Web site
What other resources are available for information on biological threats?
		Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies
		Johns Hopkins Univ. Division of Infectious Diseases Antibiotic Guide (Note: Requires one-time free registration; expert Q&A also available.)
		Medscape Resource Center on Bioterrorism (Note: Requires one-time free registration.)
		MedLine resource center on biological and chemical weapons
		ACP-ASIM Bioterrorism Resources
		U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook, Fourth Edition, February 2001
		Relevant book chapters on biological agents—from AccessMedicine.
Please note: The above links are provided for your convenience and do not reflect any endorsement by ACC with respect to the provider of such linked site or the quality, reliability or any other characteristic or feature of such linked site and ACC is not responsible in any manner (including without limitation with respect to any loss or injury you may suffer) for any matter associated with the linked site, including without limitation, the content provided on or through any such linked site or your reliance thereon.

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