Communicable disease factsheets
Statement By Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Mathews
Professor Mathews, who is also the Head of the National Centre for Disease Control, said today that the Australian public should not be alarmed by reports from America of cases of anthrax. US authorities are not certain whether these cases are terrorism-related.
For more information on Biosecurity
11th October 2001
Australia Can Deal With a Biological Incident
Australia is well prepared for the very unlikely event of a biological incident such as the release of anthrax, according to Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Mathews.
Professor Mathews, who is also the Head of the National Centre for Disease Control, said today that the Australian public should not be alarmed by reports from America of cases of anthrax. US authorities are not certain whether these cases are terrorism-related.
"While there is no known specific threat to Australia, it is prudent for all health authorities to consider such a possibility as part of their normal planning processes," he said.
Professor Mathews said that Australia had had precautionary measures in place for a number of years, and that the health system's level of preparedness was greatly increased as part of the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics. Preparation measures include:
- training within health departments and with other agencies;
- putting in place medical treatment protocols suitable for a civilian population;
- ensuring the availability of appropriate pharmaceutical supplies
- increasing diagnostic and health surveillance capability;
- developing effective coordination and advisory arrangements; and
- ensuring access to international information to alert Australian authorities to overseas developments.
"These arrangements in Australia have been formalised through a National Chemical, Biological and Radiological Working Group under the auspices of Emergency Management Australia with support from the Australian Emergency Management Committee," Professor Mathews said.
"These Groups have linked together the arrangements already set in place by a range of Commonwealth and state agencies.
"Key national organisations which regularly liaise and share information in preparation for any biological incident include the Australian Disaster Medicine Group, and the Public Health Laboratory Network, all supported by the Commonwealth and States. The Communicable Diseases Network Australia and disease surveillance networks in hospitals also play a key role in routine disease surveillance, and would be the first to alert the system to any unexpected disease incident.
"State and Territory emergency services regularly exercise their role in a chemical or biological incident.
"A large number of health professionals are trained in dealing with chemical, biological and radiological incidents. These personnel were also involved in training exercises within the health departments and with other agencies including police, fire, emergency services and ambulance.
"National organisations such as the Australian Disaster Medicine Group (a sub committee of the Australian Health Minister's Advisory Council); the Communicable Diseases Network Australia and Public Health Laboratory Network are all intimately involved in preparations in this area.
"Australians should not feel unduly concerned," Professor Mathews said.
"The public can be reassured that emergency action plans are in place for the protection of the population in the unlikely event of a biological incident."
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