In An Emergency
Call 9-1-1

Q: What is a public health emergency?

A:  A “public health emergency” is an occurrence or imminent threat or an illness or health condition that:

1) Is believed to be caused by any of the following:

• bioterrorism;
• the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin;
• a natural disaster;
• a chemical attack or accidental release; or
• a nuclear attack or accident; and

2) Poses a high probability of any of the following harms:

• a large number of deaths in the affected population;
• a large number of serious or long-term disabilities in the affected population; or a widespread exposure to an infectious or toxic agent that poses a significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of people in the affected population (Model State Emergency Health Powers Act, 2001). 

If you need to report a public health emergency after hours, call (541) 473-5125