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This is an official
CDC HEALTH UPDATE

Distributed via Health Alert Network
Friday, February 07, 2003, 20:56 EST (8:56 PM EST)
CDCHAN-00113-03-02-07-ADV-N

CDC and EPA Water Advisory in Response to High Threat Level

Today, the Department of Homeland Security upgraded the Homeland Security Advisory System from yellow level (elevated risk of terrorist attack) to orange level (high risk of terrorist attack).

While there are no data to indicate that water has been specifically targeted, our nation's water infrastructure remains at risk to terrorist attacks, or acts intended to substantially disrupt the ability of a water system to provide a reliable supply of water. Therefore, public health agencies and water utilities are encouraged to continue to work together, keep each other informed of any unusual activities, and confirm the proper operation of notification channels in emergency response plans.

Public health agencies should immediately notify local water utilities and the state's drinking water administrator in the event of an unusual number of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses or other indications of illness that may suggest water contamination by a biological, chemical or radiological agent.

Water utilities should immediately notify public health agencies 24/7 emergency operations number, and the state's drinking water administrator in the event of specific threats received at a water facility, customer complaints in water quality, or if circumstances lead the utility to believe that the water has been or will be contaminated with a biological, chemical or radiological agent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue this advisory jointly.

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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