Oklahoma's smallpox plan outlined

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Health Department plans to vaccinate up to 13,000 health care workers for smallpox as it complies with a federal emergency plan. <br><br>Doctor Timothy Cathey of the Health

Wednesday, December 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Health Department plans to vaccinate up to 13,000 health care workers for smallpox as it complies with a federal emergency plan.

Doctor Timothy Cathey of the Health Department says 100,000 more health care workers could be vaccinated if the smallpox threat increases. Cathey says officials are specifically planning for the threat of terrorism.

Immunizations will begin soon after a presidential announcement, which could come this week. Among the first to be vaccinated are members of a team that will investigate suspicious illnesses.

Smallpox is easily spread and has a 30% fatality rate. There are at least 120 strains of the disease.