COMMUNICATIONS TOPIC: Initial Health Alert Notice to States and Local Public Health Agencies

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CDC HAN Health Alert logo

Distributed via Health Alert Network
Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 13:25 EDT (01:25 PM EDT)
CDCHAN-00001-2001-09-11-ALT-N

SUBJECT: ALERT: Terrorist Activity Response

Due to current events, CDC is on heightened alert status to monitor for any possible unusual disease patterns associated with today’s events, including chemical and biological agents.

CDC recommends that you initiate heightened surveillance for any unusual disease occurrence or increased numbers of illnesses that might be associated with today’s events.

Please notify all segments of your emergency response system (including epidemiologists, laboratories, all local public health units, hospital emergency departments and 911 dispatch centers) to make them aware of this situation.

If you require any assistance or become aware of any unusual occurrence, CDC is available at our emergency number of (770) 488-7100, 24-hours per day, or (770) 488-4819. You may also contact us by e-mail at healthalert@cdc.gov or access our website for further information at http://emergency.cdc.gov/.

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.
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
  • Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
  • Info Service: Provides general information that is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature.

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This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Page last reviewed: September 11, 2001