About Maui Bioterrorism (BT) Preparedness
Maui County, in cooperation with state and federal partners, is preparing to respond to a potential bioterrorism attack. The health and safety of our residents and visitors is our highest priority. The information provided will help educate and inform the public about what they can do to prevent or reduce their chances of becoming ill during a bioterrorism attack.

What is the Hawaii Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program?
The Hawaii Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response program is funded by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and coordinated by the BT Branch in the Department of Health. The Branch coordinates Hawaii's smallpox vaccination program; administers the Strategic National Stockpile plan for distribution of emergency pharmaceuticals in case of public health emergencies; and collaborates with State Civil Defense, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, the County Civil Defense Agencies, and all other related stakeholders in the development and implementation of State and County response plans for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

What is Bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism is the intentional use of harmful biological substances or germs to cause widespread illness and fear. Smallpox and anthrax are examples of biological agents that could be used for bioterrorism.

What kind of agents could be used in a bioterrorism attack?
There are a number of different types of biological agents that could be used in an attack. Some cause diseases that can be spread by infected people, such as smallpox and plague, while others are only dangerous when a person comes into direct contact with the biological agent, such as anthrax, and not spread by infected people. The most common bioterrorism agents include: anthrax, botulism, plague, ricin, and smallpox.

What is Maui County doing to prepare for a bioterrorism attack?

• Bioterrorism preparedness has been increased through the development of enhanced disease surveillance and notification systems and education of health care workers, first responders and the public.
• The Maui District Health Office has developed field response teams to conduct field investigation and distribute critical supplies to the public during a bioterrorism emergency, as well as conduct outreach educational programs for intervention of the disease. A group of healthcare workers has been vaccinated against smallpox.
• Maui District Health Office and Maui County civil defense, police, fire, and rescue personnel are increasing their capacity to respond to emergencies with new detection, analysis, and personal protective equipment.

What can I do in a bioterrorism event?
Information and instructions will be on television, radio, and in newspapers. In the event of a bioterrorism emergency, it might take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated, and who is in danger. The public needs to remain calm during this investigative period. Officials will give you information about what to do as quickly as possible. As a standard precaution, everyone should have their personal preparation plan in place and emergency survival kit available. Additional information is available at the Maui Civil Defense website: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/departments/CivilDefense/#ppp

What will happen during a bioterrorism attack?
In general, health care providers will begin to see an increase in the numbers of patients with unusual symptoms. The Maui District Health Office will be notified and their field investigators will begin an epidemiological investigation to determine the extent, cause, and mode of transmission of the disease. Once the disease is identified, federal support may be requested and the Maui District Health Office will respond with vaccination or medication dispensing clinics to treat the general public. Public education will be done through the media to explain to the public how to minimize the chance for illness.

Emergency contacts:
During a bioterrorism event, the public can call 211 for information. Additional information is available at 984-8202.

Hawaii Department of Health
Bioterrorism Preparedness Branch
1132 Bishop St. #1900
Honolulu, Hawai'i, 96813
(808) 587-6565