Public Response to an Anthrax Attack Reactions to Mass Prophylaxis in a Scenario Involving Inhalation Anthrax From an Unidentified Source

This article discusses findings from a poll conducted to examine the public's response to a mass prophylaxis program conducted under a “worst-case scenario” in which cases of inhalation anthrax are discovered without an identified source and the entire population of a city or town is asked to receive antibiotic prophylaxis within a 48-hour period. Findings provide indicators of public willingness to comply with public health recommendations for obtaining antibiotics from a dispensing site, although they also indicate that public health officials may face several challenges to compliance.