October Surprises: The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Michael Leavitt, has declared a series of 'public health emergencies' -- due to risk of a bioterrorism attack -- that continue through 2015.
- Oct. 1, 2008: U.S. declares a 'public health emergency' due to the risk of a bioterrorism attack. HHS Secretary, Michael Leavitt, said the emergency began on Oct. 1 and would run through Dec. 31, 2015. The declaration establishes legal immunity for public and private officials who oversee the production or distribution of the anthrax vaccine.
- Oct. 10, 2008: U.S. declares more 'public health emergencies' for smallpox, radiation sickness from the detonation of a nuclear device and poisoning from botulinum toxins, the active ingredient of Botox. This move provides the manufacturers, distributors, and others, of 'anti-terrorism' drugs and vaccines immunity from lawsuits, should injuries or deaths occur due to the drugs or vaccines.
