How a facility manager is supposed to report a release of a biological agent

CCBH should be one of the first to be notified in the event of a release of a biological agent on their 24 hour disease reporting line at 216-857-1433. Note however that a facility manager may not even know of a biological release for 3-7 days because people may be asymptomatic. The facility manager and the IC should give as much information as possible about the release. Specifically, what material was released, the amount, the location and if there were any confirmed or potential exposures.

Since the CCBH is the primary agency in the Cuyahoga County Emergency Operations Plan Emergency Support Function #8 (Public Health and Medical Services), they are prepared to support & coordinate response activities for the scene of a chemical, biological & radiological agent release. CCBH staff receives NIMS training and are prepared to operate within a Unified Command structure. They are prepared to work with hazardous materials teams during chemical, biological and radiological hazards. They will also provide secondary support services such as coordination of mass dispensing of prophylaxis if appropriate, epidemiological surveillance and contact tracing. In addition, the CCBH can provide information for broadcast to the public.