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The FMA Takes Action Against Biological and Chemical Terrorism

Tallahassee, Florida -- The events of September 11, 2001 have demonstrated that domestic terrorism is the U.S. is now a reality. Recent events highlight our vulnerability towards such horrendous attacks. Evidence indicates that terrorists may have gained access to biological agents and may be motivated to use it against civilian targets. Physicians in Florida must be prepared to face this threat and to manage the catastrophic impact of a biological or chemical attack.

The Florida Medical Association (FMA) has therefore formed an Emergency Preparedness Taskforce to inform and educate physicians to:

• Differentiate the most commonly known biological and chemical agents.
• Describe the characteristics of the medical conditions and infectious diseases caused by such agents.
• Learn about antibiotics, vaccines, and other prophylactic treatments for such infectious diseases.
• Develop a plan of preparation against bio-terrorism, crisis management and decontamination.

The recent anthrax infections in Florida and media coverage of these events have already caused great concern among the citizens of Florida. Many doctors working in private offices, emergency rooms or hospitals have been asked to issue prescriptions for antibiotic prophylaxis against anthrax.

"We are concerned that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for such purpose might cause adverse effects and can contribute to the emergence of resistant strains of common infectious diseases," said Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., Chair of the FMA Emergency Preparedness Task force. "There is no scientific evidence to substantiate the prophylactic use of antibiotics. We recommend an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (anthrax as a Biological Weapon, Vo. 281 No.18; May 12, 1999; 1735-1745; http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/281/18/1735) in which the authors provide a comprehensive and detailed overview based on the best available evidence. The authors do not recommend the use of antibiotics for the prophylaxis of anthrax infection but discuss post exposure prophylaxis depending on the timing and location of the exposure, relevant weather conditions in an outdoor release, defining the high-risk areas and groups prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy," continued Dr. Wollschlaeger.

"We encourage you to exercise caution prior to the initiation of any antibiotic therapy for any condition and please urge your patients to avoid using any antibiotic for the prophylaxis of anthrax," said H. Frank Farmer, M.D., Ph.D., FMA President. "Physicians should report all suspicious infectious diseases to the nearest county health department and the Center for Disease Control. With the input and participation of all physicians, a highly effective early-warning system can be created and can immediately respond to the threat of a potential biological or chemical attack," continued Dr. Farmer.

The FMA will continue to provide updated information on its website, www.fmaonline.org, to maximize physician's preparedness against a biological or chemical attack. The Florida Department of Health has established a hotline for anyone who would like more information regarding the anthrax contamination in Palm Beach County. Patients should call the Florida Emergency information line at 1-800-342-3557. Physicians should continue to monitor their patients for signs and report any suspicious symptoms to their county health department. Detailed information is also provided on the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.bt.cdc.gov.

The Florida Medical Association and its component county medical societies serve as an advocate for physicians and their patients to promote the public health, to ensure high standards in medical education and ethics, and to enhance the quality and availability of health care.

The Florida Medical Association, along with its component medical societies, is the largest, most effective organization representing interests of all Florida physicians and their patients. The FMA provides members with a strong voice and active representations in the state legislation, medical ethical and legal affairs, medical economics, and practice issues. Florida Medical Association and county medical societies offer membership benefits that make a significant difference to patients, practices, and the profession.