Brooks leads biodefense exercise to gauge response capabilities

U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) hosted a biodefense exercise on Monday in Fishers, Indiana, that simulated a smallpox outbreak to gauge response capabilities in the Hoosier State.

During the tabletop exercise, 35 local and state officials made a series of decisions about how to respond to a simulated small pox outbreak that started with a single case in Europe.

“I want to thank all of our attendees for their enthusiasm and insights during today’s exercise,” Brooks said. “The risks to Indiana and Indianapolis from a biological threat, like smallpox, are real. (Monday’s) exercise was an opportunity to test our instincts and protocols for an outbreak in a safe and risk-free environment. Hopefully the relationships and understanding we gained from this exercise will help us respond more effectively in the face of a real biological threat to Hoosiers.”

Brooks has led recent legislative efforts to develop vaccines and therapies for deadly diseases before outbreaks occur. She introduced the Strengthening Public Health and Response Act, H.R. 3299, last year, and cosponsored a bill in February that would add Zika virus to the FDA’s Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher Program.

“I think what we learned (on Monday) is that there is no easy answer when it comes to effective and responsive biodefense, but with good preparation and widespread public awareness of the risks, we can protect our national security and public health,” Brooks said. “In Congress, I am focused on improving our national biodefense strategies and systems, including incentivizing vaccines and treatments for deadly and dangerous diseases that pose significant threats to our public health. Prioritizing efforts to protect our country from biological threats will provide the certainty and support our local partners need to effectively prepare for and respond to future outbreaks.”