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This is an official
CDC HEALTH ALERT

Distributed via Health Alert Network
Wednesday, October 30, 2002, 07:15  EDT (7:15  AM EDT)
CDCHAN-00105-2002-10-30-ALT-S


CONFIDENTIAL.

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD, REDISTRIBUTE, OR COPY THIS MESSAGE:

A state health department official received a telephone inquiry from an individual identifying himself as a local area reporter. The telephone caller asked the state official about the types of viruses/agents the state department of health kept onsite. The state official declined to answer the caller's question and placed a follow up call to the television station that employed the local reporter to verify the call and the request for information.

The follow-up revealed that the local area reporter whose name was used did NOT place the original phone call and made no such inquiry. Upon discovering the fraudulent information, the state official contacted the FBI.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) send a query to all state health departments and public health laboratory officials for the following: Please contact the FBI HQ Weapons of Mass Destruction Operations Unit (see contact information below) if your state office or laboratory has received a similar call requesting information on the types of viruses/agents stored at local DOHs and laboratories.

The FBI asks that states report such calls to Mr. Rick Kelly at 202-324-0259 or Ms. Kathy Smith at 202-324-0225 (FBI). Also, CDC asks that anyone having knowledge of such calls report the incident to the CDC Emergency Operations Center(EOC)by email at eocop@cdc.gov or telephone the CDC EOC at 770-488-7100.

This report has also been posted on Epi-X.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


HAN Message Types
  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention. Example: HAN00001
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Example: HAN00316
  • Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. Example: HAN00309
  • Info Service: Provides general information that is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature. Example: HAN00319

 

## This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Public Information Officers, Epidemiologists and HAN Coordinators as well as Clinician organizations ##

You have received this message based upon the information contained within our emergency notification database. If you have a different or additional e-mail or fax address that you would like us to use, please contact your State-based Health Alert Network program at your State or local health department.


Additional Resources
Contact Us:
Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC-INFO

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