July 14, 2004 Bulletin

'Chempacks' for use against bioterror rushed to Boston

The Boston Globe reports that shipments of antidotes to bio-chemical attacks known as "chempacks" have been shipped to Boston and New York to ensure that both cities will have the kits in time for the Democratic and Republican conventions. Federal and local health authorities confirmed that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has pushed Boston to the head of the list because of the high-profile convention. The CDC had already begun to disburse the antidotes to states, but the heightened publicity given to the terrorist threat has created a a greater urgency. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for July 26 through 29 at Boston's Fleet Center. The Republicans will meet in New York from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

They said the shipments are part of "routine activities" being carried out by the federal Department of Health and Human Services to "raise the level of preparedness throughout the country."

"We have no credible, specific intelligence about a chemical attack in Boston, New York, or any other large city," said Brian Roehrkasse, a spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security. "We continue to take prudent preparedness measures to ensure security at large events through the US during this period of increased risk."

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