IDF Simulates Biological Attack

March 31, 2010

As part of the drill—which involved the IDF, Health Ministry, infirmaries, and hospitals—soldiers and citizens were asked to report mock symptoms of fever, rashes, and lesions in the mouth cavity. The scenario involved a few cases of “contamination” among soldiers in the Sde Dov Airbase. The air force commander, who was allegedly present and came in contact with soldiers—was also classified as a potential “casualty.”

Medical teams from several infirmaries treated casualties and collected lab samples that later on confirmed that the patients contracted the smallpox virus. “There is a low awareness to the framework of biological warfare, and this drill is meant to raise awareness,” said Chief Medical Officer Brigadier–General Dr. Nachman Ash. “We are simulating a number of scenarios. The current drill is part of a perennial exercise, although we don’t have a concrete threat at the moment,” he added.

The medical teams, who were equipped with protective gear and masks, classified certain areas as “sterile zones.” Sde Dov Airbase imposed a curfew on departures, in order to prevent “infected” and healthy soldiers from traveling in and out of the base.

This year, for the first time, casualties were evacuated to isolated rooms in Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. “We transferred the hospital patients to other hospital wards along with careful medical supervision,” said Sheba’s Deputy Director Arnon Afek. “They were all very cooperative. Patients on respirators were kept in the ward because of the health risk involved in moving them.” The mock casualties were brought into the empty wards by medical staff equipped with white protective suits and masks.

Excerpts of an article by Meital Yasur-Beit Or, Ynetnews.com

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