Unusual diseases

Many of us are newly aware and justifiably concerned for the health and welfare of our children and ourselves in light of potential threats of bioterrorism. The pages here offer information about some of the diseases that could be used in this way. The information now available includes anthrax, botulism, brucellosis, plague, smallpox and tularemia.

Staff members within the Division of Infectious Disease are in frequent close contact with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and monitor information that comes from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)  and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

In the event that a suspected bioterrorism case or exposure occurs, we immediately contact the Chicago Department of Public Health to enlist their assistance, if needed. Our physicians and healthcare workers have been trained to respond appropriately to unusual presentation of diseases not typically seen in the Midwest.