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Diseases of a Suspected Bioterrorism Origin


Diseases of a Suspected Bioterrorism Origin in Washington State
DOH has never received a confirmed report of disease of suspected bioterrorism origin.  In 1984, a cult based in The Dalles, Oregon » within 20 miles of the Washington border »   sprayed Salmonella on salad bars at local restaurants in an attempt to cause illness and thereby influence an election.  In Washington, state and local public health have responded to many bioterrorism hoaxes, including letters claiming to contain anthrax, by recommending testing when appropriate and working closely with law enforcement agencies.

Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance

  • To notify appropriate agencies and mobilize necessary resources for public health response and possible criminal investigation.

Reporting Requirements

  • Health care providers: immediately notifiable to Local Health Jurisdiction
  • Hospitals: immediately notifiable to Local Health Jurisdiction
  • Laboratories: see disease-specific requirements
  • Local health jurisdictions: suspected or confirmed cases are immediately notifiable to DOH Communicable Disease Epidemiology: 1-877-539-4344

Last guideline update
Oct. 2002

Bioterrorism Resources

Public Health and Health Care

Surveillance and Reporting Guidelines
(Web Format)
Surveillance and Reporting Guidelines
(PDF format)

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Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Office of Epidemiology
Washington State Department of Health
MS: K17-9, 1610 NE 150th St.
Shoreline, WA 98155-9701

Consultation and technical assistance are available to local health jurisdictions in Washington State:
Phone (206) 418-5500

FAX (206) 418-5515

24-hour contact (inside Washington State only)  1-877-539-4344

Washington residents can contact their local health jurisdictions for assistance


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