---

 

What is a Public Health Emergency?

Anytime our community's public health or medical resources are overwhelmed the event may qualify as a public health emergency.

Disease epidemic

• May occur naturally (e.g., outbreak of meningitis in college dorm)
• Could be caused by bioterrorism (e.g., anthrax letters)

Mass Casualty Incident (large number of illnesses or injuries)

• Could be the result of an accidental or natural disaster (e.g., earthquake, wildfire)
• Caused by terrorism (e.g., September 11th plane crashes & London terrorist bombings, Tokyo Sarin nerve gas release)

Bioterrorism

• Biological threats (e.g., Anthrax, Smallpox)

Quick Link to Fact Sheets