A survey of 30 hospitals in four states and Washington, D.C., found them ill-equipped to handle a widespread biological disaster, researchers report.

October 17, 2001

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Harvard Medical School

How does this article relate to me?

At first blush, this article might seem scary. Are our emergency departments, urgent-care centers and doctor's office ready for a massive bioterrorism exposure? No. But are we much more ready this week than we were one week ago? Definitely. And the risk of a massive exposure still remains extremely small.

I was consulting in the Emergency Department on Friday night. Of the four people with possible anthrax exposure, I was involved in two of the situations. Within 30 minutes of the first case, I updated myself on the latest information for professionals from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I searched the literature to confirm no case reports of person-to-person transmission of anthrax.

For the two patients, I advised a treatment strategy that would be effective in case the exposures were real. Appropriate limited use of antibiotic was prescribed. As it turned out, both cases were found to be negative for anthrax within 36 hours, and the antibiotic was discontinued after only three doses.

What changes do I need to make?

Our health-care system is rapidly learning to respond rationally to the realities of this past week. As always, prevention when possible is best. Any suspicious situation should be reported to local health officials; in an emergency call 911.

Do not start antibiotics on your own for protection. This is potentially very dangerous and might prevent proper diagnosis and targeted therapy.

The general public and health-care professionals have all learned a great deal in the past several days. We are aware that the danger of anthrax is real, but each case of possible exposure must be thoughtfully evaluated in order to give the best advice.

What can I expect in the future?

My hope is that as we continue to learn the facts and distinguish between true risk and unjustified fear, we will minimize any disease and ease our anxiety.

Related areas:

Bioterrorism Special Report