Health officials practice response to biological attack

<p>Health officials assembled several dozen people at a Bibb County high school Saturday for a biological attack practice drill.</p><p>About 40 volunteers gathered at Rutland High School, pretending to be concertgoers possibly exposed to anthrax. The drill, funded by a federal bioterrorism grant, simulated how thousands of Georgians likely would be given antibiotics and counseling.</p><p>I thought this was very well done, said Virginia Bradshaw, a pediatric nurse practitioner with McDuffie County health department. Its a learning experience.</p><p>Officials from across the state participated in the exercise, which involved ushering victims to the antibiotics supply and dealing with people who complain, have phobias or become hysterical.</p><p>The antibiotics needed to treat anthrax exposure are stockpiled with other medicine and equipment at a secret location, and in a real emergency, the supplies can be sent anywhere in the nation within 12 hours, said Richard Quartarone, spokesman for the Georgia Division of Public Health.</p><p>___</p><p>Information from: The Macon Telegraph</p>