Citation

Durrheim DN, Muller R, Saunders VL, Speare R, Lowe JB. Aust. Fam. Physician 2006; 35(3): 172-174.

Affiliation

Hunter New England Population Health, Newcastle University, New South Wales and James Cook University, Queensland. david.durrheim@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16525535

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anthrax bioterrorism is a new threat to Australians. How they would respond to an anthrax bioterrorism event is unknown. METHOD: A national telephone survey of Australian adults. RESULTS: We successfully interviewed 1001 Australian adults (response rate 63%). The threat of anthrax bioterrorism was of medium to high concern to 57% of survey participants. In the event of an anthrax bioterrorism event, the first point of care would be GPs for 60% of survey participants, and 71% were confident in their doctor's ability to recognise anthrax. Most would accept vaccination if anthrax bioterrorism cases were reported locally, or even elsewhere in Australia. DISCUSSION: Australian GPs should be included in any bioterrorism planning to respond to such threats.

Language: en