CDC Considers Bioterror Antidote Kits for U.S. Homes
Global Security Newswire
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering providing bioterror antidote kits to U.S. homes, Agence France-Presse reported yesterday (see GSN, July 14, 2004).
Agency spokesman Von Roebuck said that the kits could be distributed in Seattle to determine their feasibility.
"There are a lot of avenues being looked at as to how we can get vaccines and antidotes to the general public in an emergency situation," he said, adding that plans are still "in the drawing-board stage."
"At this point, there is nothing set in stone," Roebuck said. "We want to have a very open mind when it comes to how we distribute things."
Roebuck said that the U.S. Postal Service is being considered to distribute medications in the event of an attack. Stockpiling drugs at hospitals and clinics and "seeing what can be done in folk's homes" are also being explored, he said.
The federal health agency contacted the city of Seattle about "a preparedness initiative," said city spokesman James Apa.
"They want to do a trial in Seattle," he said. "We had a briefing and are just waiting for more details" (Agence France-Presse/Turkish Press, Sept. 20).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering providing bioterror antidote kits to U.S. homes, Agence France-Presse reported yesterday (see GSN, July 14, 2004).
Agency spokesman Von Roebuck said that the kits could be distributed in Seattle to determine their feasibility.
"There are a lot of avenues being looked at as to how we can get vaccines and antidotes to the general public in an emergency situation," he said, adding that plans are still "in the drawing-board stage."
"At this point, there is nothing set in stone," Roebuck said. "We want to have a very open mind when it comes to how we distribute things."
Roebuck said that the U.S. Postal Service is being considered to distribute medications in the event of an attack. Stockpiling drugs at hospitals and clinics and "seeing what can be done in folk's homes" are also being explored, he said.
The federal health agency contacted the city of Seattle about "a preparedness initiative," said city spokesman James Apa.
"They want to do a trial in Seattle," he said. "We had a briefing and are just waiting for more details" (Agence France-Presse/Turkish Press, Sept. 20).
