SIPH on its second day Anthrax exposure training

Southeast Idaho Public Health personnel are on their second day of a preparedness training in the event of a massive anthrax exposure to the public.

In the case of widespread chemical exposure, emergency medication is needed. Although it is a rare situation, receiving medication is essential for saving lives.

Anthrax is an infectious disease that is often fatal. In recent years, it has been used by terrorists to poison people through a white powder substance that is usually mailed to those targeted.

SIPH and partners held a mock “Point of Dispensing” exercise Wednesday, focusing on dispensing medication to exposed community members.

“We all need the practice. We have to make sure we have all the processes and procedures in place so we can make sure this flows smoothly in the event that something does happen,” Devin Hughes, program manager for Public Health Preparedness, said. “The scenario is anthrax but it can happen for everything.”