UTMB Links

Division of Infectious Diseases

Pediatric Division of Infectious Diseases

UTMB – Institute for Human Infections and Immunity

Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases

Galveston National Laboratory

Center for Tropical Diseases

Center for Vaccine Development

Department of Microbiology & Immunology

   

|| Reporting Requirements || Clinical Microbiology Laboratory || Emergency Medical Services || Pharmacy || Anthrax ||
|| Botulism || Plague || Smallpox || Tularemia || References ||

Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
All specimens obtained for diagnostic purposes will be sent to the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (Microbiology Specimen Receiving, McCullough 5.137). All specimens should be labeled with the suspected bioterrorism agent. The laboratory in turn may send the specimen to the TDH, CDC, or another reference laboratory. Employees in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory will receive education about the microbiology of bioterrorism agents, unique growth requirements, identification, and specific handling instructions, including information on how to send the organisms through the mail. (See Appendix ___)

Campus Police
In the event of a mass exposure, campus security will be used to maintain order. Areas of the campus may be secured to provide patient triage or patient care. Campus security will work with Galveston Police or state and federal officials if necessary. Patients may be quarantined in their homes. Campus Security will support this city/state mandate and help with communications and potential hysteria.

Psychological Aspects of Bioterrorism
Following a bioterrorism-related event, fear and panic can be expected from both patients and healthcare providers. Psychological responses following a bioterrorism event may include horror, anger, panic, unrealistic concerns about infection, fear of contagion, paranoia, social isolation, or demoralization. Mental Health Support Personnel (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, clergy, and volunteer groups) will assist in collaboration with emergency response agencies and the media. Local, state, and federal media experts can provide assistance with communications needs. The following issues need to be addressed to alleviate the public fear:

1. Minimize panic by clearly explaining risks, offering careful but rapid medical evaluation/treatment, and avoiding unnecessary isolation or quarantine.

2. Treat anxiety in unexposed persons who are experiencing somatic symptoms (e.g., with reassurance, or diazepam-like anxiolytics as indicated for acute relief of those who do not respond to reassurance).

3. Consider the following to address healthcare worker fears:

• Provide bioterrorism readiness education, including frank discussions of potential risks and plans for protecting healthcare providers.

• Invite active, voluntary involvement in the bioterrorism readiness planning process.

• Encourage participation in disaster drills. Fearful or anxious healthcare workers may benefit from their usual sources of social support, or by being asked to fulfill a useful role (e.g., as a volunteer at the triage site).

Patient, Visitor, and Public Information
Clear, consistent, understandable information should be provided (e.g., via fact sheets) to patients, visitors, and the general public. During bioterrorism-related outbreaks, visitors may be strictly limited.

1.  Organizational Structure
See Organization Structure for Bioterrorism Preparedness in Appendix A.

2.  Community Response
UTMB is a key component in the community-based bioterrorism plan. Emergency medical services, police, fire and rescue workers will be educated about the signs and symptoms of various biologic agents and be knowledgeable of the UTMB triage program for each organism. The Galveston County Health District will play an integral part in the UTMB Bioterrorism Preparedness Plan.