More Scientists Move to Bioterror Defense Efforts
By David Francis
Global Security Newswire
WASHINGTON - The number of scientists working on bioterrorism preparedness across the United States has increased dramatically since 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today (see GSN, May 10).
A survey by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, says the number of epidemiologists concentrating on emergency response and bioterrorism preparedness increased 27 percent from 2001 to 2004. The survey results were first published in September 2004 and were reported in today's issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The federal health agency attributes this increase to an influx of $1 billion in federal funds to the states for terrorism readiness. Epidemiologists track and control disease outbreaks.
States claim this increase led to major improvements in the ability to respond to a biological attack (see GSN, May 9).
However, the study found that only 64 percent of epidemiologists working in bioterrorism have degrees in epidemiology, and that 20 percent have no formal training in the subject.
The agency also found that the focus on bioterrorism reduced states' ability to treat infectious and chronic diseases, weakening the public health system. A 47-percent increase in the number of epidemiologists working at the state level is needed to stabilize the system.
In testimony to a Senate subcommittee this week, Shelly Hearne of the Trust for America's Health warned that weaknesses in any part of the public health infrastructure limit states' ability to respond to a biological attack or
naturally occurring disease outbreak.
Security expert Howard Safir echoed these concerns to the Associated Press, saying work remains to ensure nationwide bioterrorism preparedness.
"This has been a problem because the resources are not there. The problem is
that this was not a priority before 9/11. What we're doing now is playing catch-up," Safir said. "We just have to make sure we have enough people in the pipeline so we can deal with it."
The Associated Press also notes that William Raub, the Health and Human Service Department's principal deputy assistant secretary for public health and emergency preparedness, warned earlier this year that less than one in four states has the ability to respond to a biological or chemical attack at any time.
Raub added that many states are not capable of mass immunizations with vaccines from the national stockpile.
U.S. Health and Human Services Department Announces $1.3 Billion in Bioterror Funding
An additional $1.3 billion in federal bioterrorism and public health funding is available for use by states, territories and four metropolitan areas, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department announced in a press statement today (see GSN, May 6).
"These funds will . result in a stronger system to care for Americans in emergencies, whether it be a bioterror attack or an infectious disease outbreak like SARS or West Nile virus," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in the release.
The money is to be used for infectious disease surveillance and investigation capability upgrades, enhancing hospital readiness, and expanded laboratory and communications capacities, according to the statement.
The department also announced that the Centers for Disease Control may increase the number of state laboratories certified to test chemical agents. Laboratories in California, Michigan, New Mexico, New York and Virginia now have certification, and up to five more may be selected in an effort to make sure samples can reach a laboratory within eight hours for testing (HHS release, May 13).
Global Security Newswire
WASHINGTON - The number of scientists working on bioterrorism preparedness across the United States has increased dramatically since 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today (see GSN, May 10).
A survey by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, says the number of epidemiologists concentrating on emergency response and bioterrorism preparedness increased 27 percent from 2001 to 2004. The survey results were first published in September 2004 and were reported in today's issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The federal health agency attributes this increase to an influx of $1 billion in federal funds to the states for terrorism readiness. Epidemiologists track and control disease outbreaks.
States claim this increase led to major improvements in the ability to respond to a biological attack (see GSN, May 9).
However, the study found that only 64 percent of epidemiologists working in bioterrorism have degrees in epidemiology, and that 20 percent have no formal training in the subject.
The agency also found that the focus on bioterrorism reduced states' ability to treat infectious and chronic diseases, weakening the public health system. A 47-percent increase in the number of epidemiologists working at the state level is needed to stabilize the system.
In testimony to a Senate subcommittee this week, Shelly Hearne of the Trust for America's Health warned that weaknesses in any part of the public health infrastructure limit states' ability to respond to a biological attack or
naturally occurring disease outbreak.
Security expert Howard Safir echoed these concerns to the Associated Press, saying work remains to ensure nationwide bioterrorism preparedness.
"This has been a problem because the resources are not there. The problem is
that this was not a priority before 9/11. What we're doing now is playing catch-up," Safir said. "We just have to make sure we have enough people in the pipeline so we can deal with it."
The Associated Press also notes that William Raub, the Health and Human Service Department's principal deputy assistant secretary for public health and emergency preparedness, warned earlier this year that less than one in four states has the ability to respond to a biological or chemical attack at any time.
Raub added that many states are not capable of mass immunizations with vaccines from the national stockpile.
U.S. Health and Human Services Department Announces $1.3 Billion in Bioterror Funding
An additional $1.3 billion in federal bioterrorism and public health funding is available for use by states, territories and four metropolitan areas, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department announced in a press statement today (see GSN, May 6).
"These funds will . result in a stronger system to care for Americans in emergencies, whether it be a bioterror attack or an infectious disease outbreak like SARS or West Nile virus," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in the release.
The money is to be used for infectious disease surveillance and investigation capability upgrades, enhancing hospital readiness, and expanded laboratory and communications capacities, according to the statement.
The department also announced that the Centers for Disease Control may increase the number of state laboratories certified to test chemical agents. Laboratories in California, Michigan, New Mexico, New York and Virginia now have certification, and up to five more may be selected in an effort to make sure samples can reach a laboratory within eight hours for testing (HHS release, May 13).
