What are the symptoms of bioterrorism?
The symptoms of exposure to a biological agent might include sore throat, fever, double or blurred vision, rash or skin blisters, exhaustion, difficulty talking, confusion, descending muscle weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing.
How is bioterrorism detected?
Our national concept of operations for an early bioterrorism response relies heavily on local, state, and federal health organizations being able to detect a biological attack through surveillance by first responders and their reporting of a possibly uncommon disease.
What is a bioterrorism attack?
A biological attack, or bioterrorism, is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops. Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, is one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack.
What are the two biggest bioterrorism threats?
These high-priority agents include organisms or toxins that pose the highest risk to the public and national security: Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin) Plague (Yersinia pestis)
How do you stop bioterrorism?
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.
What is bioterrorism in food?
Bioterrorism and Food Safety. Food terrorism is an act or threat of deliberate contamination of food for human consumption with chemical, biological or radionuclear agents for the purpose of causing injury or death to civilian populations and/or disrupting social, economic or political stability.
Is Ebola considered bioterrorism?
Ebola threat as bioterrorist attack The virus is classified as category A bioterrorism threats by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for several reasons [1]. First, the filoviruses are highly lethal, causing severe hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and apes with high mortality rates (up to 90%).
How can bioterrorism be prevented?
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.
Why is bioterrorism used?
Bioterrorism is the intentional release or threat of release of biologic agents (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi or their toxins) in order to cause disease or death among human population or food crops and livestock to terrorize a civilian population or manipulate the government [3].