Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection

Described below are the likely stages of a smallpox outbreak and the critical responses required by state and local public health agencies. This information is intended as a context to aid state and local planners in developing a post-event smallpox plan. The activities listed may occur in the context of with many other activities in collaboration with a wide range of federal, state, and local agencies, organizations, elected officials. In some circumstances smallpox outbreak response activities may be placed under decision making structures outside of normal public health authorities, including the lines of command and control specified by the Federal Response Plan, if it is activated. Planners should review the of the Federal Response Plan, Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8) and its state and local equivalents to understand how responsibilities will be divided between public health and emergency management agencies if a significant public health threat occurs.

smallpox-post-event-guidance.pdf