Health Science Center prepares for possible bioterrorism attacks

As officials nationwide attempt to combat the threat of anthrax and deal with escalating public anxiety, University of Florida health officials are preparing in the event there are bioterrorism incidents locally.

To update faculty, staff and students about potential biological risks and how to recognize and treat them, Vice President for Health Affairs Kenneth I. Berns, M.D., Ph.D., hosted a bioterrorism seminar Oct. 31 at the UF Health Science Center. A panel of faculty experts presented facts about anthrax, smallpox, plague and other potential biological hazards that threaten people as well as animals that provide the nation’s food supply.

“We know a lot about anthrax. What’s becoming clear is that we don’t know enough,” said Berns, who also is dean of the College of Medicine.

“One of the consequences of bioterrorism is mass fear,” Berns told the crowd of about 200 who attended. The aim of the session was to provide those working in the Health Science Center with a common base of information from which to respond to questions, he said.

The seminar included the following topics and faculty presenters:

·Smallpox: Richard W. Moyer, Ph.D., chairman, department of molecular genetics and microbiology;

·Diagnostic Procedures: Kenneth H. Rand, M.D., professor, department of pathology, immunology and laboratory medicine;

·Antibiotic Therapy: Frederick S. Southwick, M.D., associate chairman, department of medicine, and chief of the division of infectious diseases;

·Veterinary Medicine: Carlos H. Romero, D.V.M., Ph.D., scientist, department of pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine.

In the weeks since anthrax first surfaced in South Florida, UF faculty also have been involved in other bioterrorism-related education and training sessions.

The College of Medicine’s department of emergency medicine and the Florida Poison Information Center at the UF Health Science Center/Jacksonville conducted a daylong terrorism preparedness seminar Oct. 22 at UF’s urban campus in Jacksonville. The course reviewed how to prepare for, identify and treat the effects of chemical, biological and nuclear agents that could be used by terrorists. About 180 faculty members, health-care providers and others from UF’s Jacksonville and Gainesville campuses attended.

The UF Student Health Care Center and the Office of Student Activities also held a program Nov. 6 to inform students about biological agents and bioterrorism.

Shands HealthCare sponsored a daylong bioterrorism summit Nov. 16 uniting area organizations responsible for community health and safety with local business and government leaders. The goals were to educate participants about biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction, what to do in the event of exposure and the roles area organizations would play in an attack, as well as to develop information that will enhance local disaster plans.