Bioterrorism

Intentional use of biological agents or toxins to cause a public health emergency or to threaten the integrity of the food and agricultural system.

Agents used in bioterrorism

• Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops.
• A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick.

Groups of potential agents

There are three basic groups of biological agents that could likely be used as weapons:

1. bacteria,
2. viruses and
3. toxins.

Biological agents can be spread by spraying them into the air, person-to-person contact, infecting animals that carry the disease to humans and by contaminating food and water.

Before a Biological Threat

• A biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious.
• In most cases local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention.
• You would be alerted through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, a telephone call or a home visit from an emergency response worker.

Things to do during an attack

• Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for official news and information including:
• Signs and symptoms of the disease
• Areas in danger
• If medications or vaccinations are being distributed
• Where to seek medical attention if you become ill
• If you become aware of a suspicious substance, quickly get away.
• Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel.
• Depending on the situation, wear a face mask to reduce inhaling or spreading germs.
• If you have been exposed to a biological agent, remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal of contaminated items.
• Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
• Contact authorities and seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or even to quarantine.
• If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.
• Follow the instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
• Avoid crowds.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Do not share food or utensils.

Emergency supply kit

• After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days.
• Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days.
• A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
• Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below.
• Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life.
• Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you.
• Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

• == Potential agents of bioterrorism ==

File:NBC-Mask M-17.jpg

United States Airman wearing an M-17 nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare mask and hood

• Lassa fever

• Arenaviruses

• Shigella

• Shigellosis

• Plague

• Smallpox

• Variola major

• Yersinia pestis

• Cholera

• Vibrio cholerae

• Coxiella burnetii

• Q fever

• Anthrax

• Bacillus anthracis

• Staphylococcal enterotoxin B

• Ebola virus hemorrhagic fever

• Brucella species

• Brucellosis

• Burkholderia mallei

• Glanders

• Marburg virus hemorrhagic fever

• Chlamydia psittaci

• Psittacosis

• Salmonella Typhi

• Typhoid fever

• E. coli O157:H7

• Escherichia coli O157:H7

• Francisella tularensis

• Salmonella species

• Salmonellosis

• Tularemia

• Rickettsia prowazekii

• Typhus fever

• Botulism

• Clostridium botulinum toxin

• Burkholderia pseudomallei

• Clostridium perfringens

• Melioidosis

• Epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens

• Ricin toxin from Ricinus communis

• Emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus and hantavirus

• Water safety threats

• Food safety threats

• Viral hemorrhagic fevers

• Viral encephalitis