Epidemic/Disease *

Descriptions:

Disease: A condition of the body that presents a group of symptoms. A disease may affect humans only, humans and animals, or animals only.

Disease Epidemic: A disease which attacks an unusual number of individuals (or animals) at the same time or in rapid progression. The number varying according to the type and severity of the disease (i.e., one case of polio is an epidemic; twenty colds are not an epidemic).

Secondary Effects:

Contamination of foods by carriers of diseases may result in widespread effects. Economic effects may vary from decreased productivity to substantial livestock losses.

Vulnerability:

While most communicable diseases have become controlled through improved hygiene, sanitation measures, and immunizations, the possibility exists for the introduction of harmful micro-organisms by accidental or deliberate means. The increasing threat of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) serves to reemphasize that the population is at risk in spite of tremendous progress in epidemic prevention.

Domestic livestock continues to be vulnerable to highly communicable diseases due to the extensive national and international trade in livestock, animal products and byproducts and feed.

Domestic livestock can also become exposed to vector borne diseases or those spread from wild animal populations.

Mitigation:

Public education regarding the importance of maintaining immunizations, careful personal hygiene procedures, and knowledge of disease transmission and symptoms are important measures to reduce the possible effects. Prompt medical care and restricted contamination opportunities are measures individuals can take. The Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health, plays an important role in public facilities inspections and regulations, health education, immunization programs and provides the various services of the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. This agency has also developed a medical surveillance system that allows for the assembly and assessment of medical information from around the state that would allow earlier identification of potential epidemic conditions. The Maine Department of Agriculture conducts inspections and enforces regulations to prevent the spread of diseases from animals to humans or animals.

* An occurrence of this hazard could possibly be initiated by a deliberate act.

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Epidemic/Disease *

Descriptions:

Secondary Effects:

Vulnerability:

Mitigation:

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