Gaps in Public Health Preparedness
Abstract
Is California's public health system prepared for a bioterrorist attack? Or a deadly new infectious disease such as SARS? A RAND Corporation team found that even in California-widely regarded as one of the best-prepared states the level of preparedness ranged from excellent to poor. Californians' level of public health protection depends on the public health jurisdiction in which they happen to live. Imagine that bioterrorists deliberately release an infectious agent such as smallpox, or that a new and deadly virus makes its way into the human population. The public health system should be able to recognize the disease and control its spread. For example, doctors from one or more hospital emergency rooms might call the local public health agency to report a "suspicious case. (Recognizing the disease quickly is likely to be a challenge. Early stages of smallpox, for example, resemble flu.) Public health officials would analyze the suspicious cases, recognize that an epidemic might be under way, and ensure that samples are sent to an appropriate laboratory. If the disease is confirmed, they would begin isolation, quarantine, and vaccination procedures, and ensure that those in need receive care. They would have to work closely with many others in the community, including law enforcement and first-response personnel, community groups, and health care professionals. Complex as the above tasks are, the list is far from complete. Public health officials would have many other responsibilities as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427620