Editing Celera Press Releases Suplimental (section)

===Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness===
CDC has been responding to public health emergencies for decades and has been preparing for bioterrorism in particular since 1998. CDC's bioterrorism plans were put into action in fall 2001, with the first biological attack in the United States.  <br>  <br> Outbreaks of anthrax proved that the first line of defense is rapid identification—essential for ensuring a prompt response to a biological or chemical attack so that exposure can be limited and those affected can be treated. To accomplish this, regional and state laboratories have strengthened their capacity to detect different biological and chemical agents and to communicate the results to CDC and others. Along the same lines, CDC's Health Alert Network has upgraded the capacity of state and local health agencies to detect and communicate different health threats—including bioterrorism, emerging infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and environmental hazards. This means that we reap the benefits of these investments every day, not just in the event of a bioterrorist attack.  <br>  <br> Finally, to help treat victims of a bioterrorist attack, CDC has worked with pharmaceutical companies and other partners to create regional stockpiles of the drugs that would be needed quickly to treat man-made outbreaks of anthrax, plague, tularemia, or other diseases. This resource was essential in responding to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as to the ensuing anthrax outbreak.  <br>  <br> Collectively, these measures strengthen the existing public health system while preparing for bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. <br>  <br> CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL <br> MEDIA RELATIONS <br> Office of Communication <br> 1600 Clifton Rd., MS D25, Atlanta, GA 30333 <br> Ph.  404.639.3286 <br> FAX  404.639.7394 <br> http://www.cdc.gov/  <br>  <br> ###

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[[the AMERICAN GODS]]