The recent anthrax scares and threats across the nation have left many Americans panicking and looking for answers.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Emergency Management Agency, FBI, National Guard and Cook County Health Department have been working together in an effort to address and handle any anthrax exposures, threats and fears in the state.

In Wednesday’s forum, “Response to Bioterrorism,” background and steps taken to combat this new threat to the U.S. were featured.

There are more than 80 bacterial viruses and other organisms that can be weaponized in bio-warfare, said Roman Golash, spokesman for the special bacteriological and bioterrorism unit of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Golash said that only 20 to 25 percent of those 80 bacteria and toxins are treatable.

Mark Matuck, assistant director of communicable disease control for the Cook County Department of Public Health, said that even though 20 to 25 percent of the 80 bacteria and toxins are treatable, no terrorist could have access to all 80. All 80 have been experimented with in different governments at different times in the past.

Bioterrorism always has been present, Golash said.

Small pox contaminated blankets were given to Native Americans. During WWI, chemical warfare was prevalent and in WWII, the Japanese had an effective bioterrorism program. He also mentioned the 1979 anthrax manufacturing accident in Siberia.

You only need to take a microbiological class at NIU to be able to become a bioterrorist, Golash added.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has been prepared and recently has been preparing even more for any bioterrorism attacks.

“We’re probably exponentially more prepared than we were two years ago,” Matuck said.

Matuck emphasized communication as a key in preparing for bioterrorism.

“A relationship should be developed between labs and hospitals just like New York,” Matuck said.

The foundation for the state’s bioterrorism preparation plan is surveillance, public information and intervention, Matuck said.

Before to Sept. 11, an average of three anthrax cases per month were reported to the Illinois Department of Health and Human Safety. After Sept. 11, those numbers increased, Golash said. Of those reported cases, none have been exposed or diagnosed, Golash said.

Nationally, three people have died of anthrax exposure and several have been treated for exposure in the past two months.

Anthrax is easily treatable with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and doxyoycline except for cases in which a toxin produced by the bacteria has entered the blood.

Ciprofloxacin initially was used for treatment but has caused some side effects such as stomachaches, Matuck said.

Doxyoycline is given now to those who have been exposed because it’s more sensitive to anthrax and doesn’t cause discomfort, he added.

If someone receives a suspicious envelope or shows symptoms of anthrax exposure, DeKalb residents are advised to call 911 right away.

Maryam Kareem, a senior community health major, was glad she could get a knowledgeable perspective on bioterrorism.

“They helped me realize it’s not in our area, but more or less a concern for us to think about,” Kareem said. “I have cousins in New York and I worry about them, anything could happen to them.”

An NIU critical instant response team is currently being set up, said Michele Crase, a biological safety specialist for the NIU Department of Health and Human Safety.

Crase said the health and human safety department will go with police to clean up and get samples, and officials have been training NIU police how to handle any bacteria cases.