VA contributing
to smallpox research

Question: It has been three years since the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The possibility of a bioterrorism attack is still very real. What is the VA doing to deal with this threat?

Answer: The VA was involved in a research from a multi-institutional study that has resulted in an oral drug that kills smallpox and other viruses and could be the answer to saving lives during a bioterrorism attack or widespread epidemic. The drug, HDP-CDV or (hexadecoxypropyl-cidofovir), stops the smallpox virus from replicating and spreading. The drug has only been tested on mice and is not available for human use. Caused by the variola virus, smallpox is highly contagious. If continuing studies support HDP-CDV's effectiveness and safety, the drug could be given in pill or capsule form over five to 14 days for prevention or treatment of smallpox. For information concerning VA research, check out the Pacific Islands Health Care System Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii.

Q: My husband's ashes have been scattered at sea. Does the VA provide a marker so that there is a visual remembrance of him?

A: To memorialize an eligible veteran whose remains are not available for burial, you must utilize VA Form 40-1330. VA will provide a memorial headstone or marker. It will be the same as that used to identify a grave except that the phase "In Memory of" precedes the inscription. The headstone or marker is available to memorialize eligible veterans or deceased servicemembers whose remains were not recovered or identified, buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered. The memorial marker must be placed in a national, state veterans, local or private cemetery. VA will supply the marker and pay the cost of shipping, but does not pay for the plot or the placement of the headstone or marker in a state, local or private cemetery. For further information, contact the VA at 433-1000. Additional information is also available on the VA's Web site, www.va.gov/hawaii.