§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to update advice to NHS personnel on how to identify the effects of(a) anthrax, (b) smallpox and (c) sarin; and if he will make a statement. [40278]
§ Yvette CooperThe Department issued guidance on 17 October 2001 to all health authorities and regional directors of public health on the procedures to be followed in the event of a deliberate release of chemicals such as sarin and of biological agents such as anthrax and smallpox. At the same time, guidance for medical and laboratory staff was issued by the public health laboratory service on 17 October 2001 and is subject to continuous updating e.g. clinical evaluation and management of persons with possible inhalation anthrax was last updated on 2 January 2002.