Biohazard

A biomedical emergency occurs when outbreaks of deadly infectious diseases threaten large segments of the population. An epidemic, such as the AIDS epidemic, is when the disease rate exceeds what is expected. A pandemic is widespread over a geographical area. A recent pandemic was SARS in 2003. Currently, scientists worldwide are concerned about pandemic influenza. They are watching closely the bird flu in Asia and preparing for a global outbreak of the disease. The Vermont Department of Health office in Brattleboro is working with the Center for Disease Control to prepare by conducting training and drills for mass immunization clinics. In some cases, a biomedical hazard could be related to an act of terrorism, such as the anthrax threats following 9/11.