Biological Terrorism

Biological terrorism - is terrorism

involving the intentional release or
dissemination of biological agents (bacteria,
viruses, or toxins), that may be in a naturally-
occurring or in a human-modified form.
 3 WAYS OF
DESSIMINATION:

• Inhalation
•Cutaneous
•Gastro intestinal
 •Inhalation

SYMPTOMS:
-Initial Flu like symptoms such as; fever, headaches, abdominal pain,
chest pain, vomiting, and coughing, but with no nasal congestion. Eventually
it will lead up to severe respiratory problems, where the victims will die of
asphyxiation from the lungs filling up with blood and fluids.

INCUBATION PERIOD: 1-60 days

LETHALITY: 90-100% untreated, 30-50% treated (this percentage rises

the longer it takes to receive antibiotics.)
•Cutaneous

SYMPTOMS:
-At first red itchy bumps begin to form all over the body, then they collapse
into painful ulcers which later scab over.

INCUBATION PERIOD: 1-2 days

LETHALITY: 20% untreated

gastro intestinal
SYMPTOMS:
-Begins with abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
fever, sore throat and a painful ulcer at the base of the tongue.

INCUBATION PERIOD: 3-7 days

LETHALITY: 50% untreated, 10-15% treated

 3 BASIC GROUPS OF
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS USE IN
BIOTERRORISM

•Viruses

•Bacteria

•Toxins
Viruses

organisms that are dependent upon other living

cells that they infect to live and reproduce.
Viruses rarely respond to antibiotic therapy.
However, antiviral drugs are sometimes effective.
. Bacteria

small free-living organisms that reproduce by simple division and

are easy to grow. The illnesses that manifest from these
organisms can usually be treated with various antibiotics.
CATEGORIES:
►Category A
These high-priority agents pose a risk to national security, can be easily transmitted and
disseminated, result in high mortality, have potential major public health impact, may
cause public panic, or require special action for public health preparedness.

►Category B
Category B agents are moderately easy to disseminate and have low mortality rates

►Category C
Category C agents are emerging pathogens that might be engineered for mass
dissemination because of availability, easy to produce and disseminate, or may possess
high mortality or a major health impact.
 PREPARATION WHEN THERE IS A
BIOLOGICAL ATTACK:
•Assemble a disaster kit supply and be sure to
include:

-Battery-powered commercial radio with extra

batteries.

• Non-perishable food and drinking water.

• Roll of duct tape and scissors.

•Plastic for doors, windows and vents for the room in

which you will shelter in place- this should be
an internal room where you can block out air that may
contain hazardous chemical or biological agents. To
save critical time during an emergency, sheeting should
be pre-measured and cut for each opening.

•First aid kit

•Sanitation supplies including soap, water and

bleach.
HOW TO SURVIVE A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK:
•Don't count on a vaccine being available
•Stay informed
•Wash your hands frequently
•Use an alcohol-based disinfectant
•Avoid exposure to infected.
•Stay away from public events
•Wear a respirator
•Wear medical gloves
•Protect your eyes
•Dispose of potentially contaminated materials properly.
•Keep a small amount of cash around at all times as banks may
close and ATMs may be out of service
•Seek medical attention at the onset of symptoms.
Thank you for listening!