Bioterrorism page opens door to information

FDA Consumer, Jan-Feb, 2002 by John Henkel

As part of a heightened awareness of bioterrorism threats that began in October with the discovery of anthrax-tainted letters, the FDA has created a special Web site that links to background about bioterrorism and offers a quick study on the subject. The page, at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/ bioterrorism.html, links to FDA information on use of anthrax drugs by pregnant women, treating potential outbreaks, and the safety of the food supply.

Links to information from other government sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Library of Medicine, and the Department of Defense also can be found at the site. For example, you can learn what to do if you find a suspicious letter, what the differences are between anthrax and the flu, and if you should buy anthrax-treating antibiotics such as Cipro through online vendors. If you still have questions, the page also has a special section with questions and answers on food contamination, vaccines, and various other bioterrorism topics.