N.C. Community Tests Response to Anthrax Attack

A North Carolina community simulated a terrorist attack Wednesday to test its ability to manage a major health crisis, the Durham Herald-Sun reported (see GSN, April 19, 2006).

The mock anthrax attack involved several hundred “victims” at a Durham County mall.  Dubbed a “mass-dispensing exercise,” the drill at a county middle school tested the local, state and federal deployment of anthrax antidote from the Strategic National Stockpile.

“If biological agents are released into this community, it is the department’s goal to have a plan that will protect the health and safety of Durham County residents by minimizing the spread of infectious diseases, controlling the extent of illness and limiting or preventing death,” said Brian Letourneau, Durham County public health director.

The simulation involved Durham County emergency and medical agencies, along with public health officials from eight nearby counties and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While official results have yet to be released, those involved with the test made preliminary comments.

“Not to sound like I am tooting their horn, but there was nothing major,” said Will Moorhead of contractor EnviroSafe, which is evaluating the drill.  “It was mostly a succession of minor things,” he added, referring to glitches in the response.

The main issues included the gear by which responders identified themselves, what radio channels they used and how directional signs were posted, Moorhead said.

“If something happened today, we could take care of it,” said a Durham County spokeswoman.  “But we will be tweaking our plan” (Andrew Dunn, The Herald-Sun, July 12).

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