Bioterrorism & Emerging Infectious Diseases
Planning & Preparedness
Reporting Requirements
UTMB may be the initial site of recognition and response to bioterrorism or emerging infectious diseases events. If a bioterrorism event is suspected, local emergency response systems should be activated. Notification should immediately include Healthcare Epidemiology, Hospital Administration, local law enforcement, the FBI and the Galveston County Health District.
For suspected emerging infectious diseases, Healthcare Epidemiology, Hospital Administration and the Galveston County Health District should be notified.
Internal Contacts:
| Healthcare Epidemiology: | office |
(409) 772-3192 |
Healthcare Epidemiologist: |
pager |
(409) 643-2038 |
Director, Healthcare Epidemiology: |
pager |
(409) 643-3133 |
Administration/Public Affairs: |
office |
(409) 772-2618 |
External Contacts:
| Local Police Department: | (409) 797-3702 |
Local Health Department: |
(409) 765-2514 |
State Health Department: |
(888) 963-7111 |
FBI Field Office (24 hours) |
(713) 693-5000 |
Bioterrorism Emergency Number, CDC Emergency Response: |
(770) 488-7100 |
Potential Agents for Bioterrorism
Five diseases with recognized bioterrorism potential (anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox and tularemia) and the agents responsible for them are described in this document.
Potential Agents for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Two diseases (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS] and avian influenza) are currently of concern but others may appear in the future.
Authority Statement
In the event of a bioterrorism event or expression of an emerging infectious disease, the Hospital Epidemiologist or his designee and the Medical Director will determine preferential admissions, limit visitation and activate the emergency management plan.
The Hospital Epidemiologist or his designee will define the triage questions to be asked that will define the population of concern.