BioWatch: Difference between revisions

*On October 9, 2003, a BioWatch filter in [[Houston, Texas]], detected "low levels of the bacterium that causes [[tularemia]]".<ref name=fas/> Three consecutive days of positive results were recorded.<ref>Houston Department of Health and Human Services, [http://www.ci.houston.tx.us/departme/health/bacteria%20detection.htm ''Officials Following Up on Bacteria Detection''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211072610/http://www.ci.houston.tx.us/departme/health/bacteria%20detection.htm |date=December 11, 2004 }} Press Release</ref> Additional tests were taken, and the local area was watched for signs of infection among the population. While an investigation is still ongoing, Director of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services stated that "We are investigating to determine if the bacteria was always present or newly present and if it represents a health threat to the community."<ref name=fas/>

*Small amounts of tularemia bacteria were again detected in BioWatch filters in the Mall area and elsewhere in [[Washington, DC]], the morning after an anti-war demonstration on September 24, 2005. Biohazard sensors were triggered at six locations. While thousands of people were potentially exposed, no infections were reported.<ref>{{cite news | author=Dvorak P | title=Health Officials Vigilant for Illness After Sensors Detect Bacteria on Mall: Agent Found as Protests Drew Thousands of Visitors | publisher=Washington Post | page=C13 | date=2005-10-02 | accessdate=2007-05-08

 

==Response and criticism==