Bioterrorism - Disaster Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bioterrorism - Disaster Plan - Essay Example In cases of bioterrorism, the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response (BEPR) is described as â€Å"the use, or threatened use, of biological agents to promote or spread fear or intimidation upon an individual, a specific group, or the population as a whole for religious, political, ideological, financial, or personal purposes† (par. 1). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) present various categories for bioterrorism agents and diseases with preparation and planning guidelines detailed and specifically enumerated in their official website for the public’s awareness and guidance (CDC: Emergency Preparedness and Response, 1). In New York City, the disaster plan specifically addressed bioterrorism by stating that â€Å"the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) uses a syndromic surveillance system that monitors emergency room visits, ambulance runs and pharmacy sales† (OEM, 17).