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Bioterrorism |
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Due to the potential exposure to deadly
micro-organisms a bioterrorism incident poses a considerable health risk to
those exposed and "first responders". These responders may include public health
officials, law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and the military. There are an unlimited number of potential biological agents that could be used in bioterrorism attacks, although some are more
deadly and likely to be used than others. Biological agents include bacterial agents, toxins, and viruses.
The following links provide information about
recognizing bioterrorism hazards. For more information about specific agents,
see OSHA's Anthrax
eTool and Botulism,
Plague,
Ricin,
Smallpox,
Tularemia, and
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)
Safety and Health Topics Pages.
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Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). Provides an A-Z listing of biological agents with bioterrorist
potential. Includes
links to fact sheets for many of the agents.
- Recognition
of Illness Associated with the Intentional Release of a Biologic Agent.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
(MMWR) 50(41);893-7, (2001, October 19). Provides guidance to healthcare and laboratory workers
in identifying a bioterrorism-related disease outbreak.
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Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook, Sixth Edition.
Instructions for Ordering AMRIID
Reference Materials. US Army Medical Research
Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), (2005, April). Site
provides ordering instructions for
Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook, Sixth Edition
which incluses information and recommendations regarding
medical response to a biological warfare attack on a civilian or military
population. Contains specific information on a number of potential
bioterrorist agents. Other reference material is also available for free
download.
- Defense Against Toxin Weapons. US Army Medical Research Institute
of Infectious Diseases, (1997), 230 KB
PDF, 60 pages. Discusses many biological
toxins, including ricin, botulisum, and others.
- "Symposium on Medical and Public Health Response to Bioterrorism." Emerging Infectious
Diseases
5.4(1999, July-August). Contains
articles on a wide range of issues related to bioterrorism.
- Kozayrn, Linda B. "Knowledge Key to Combating Chemical, Biological Warfare." American Forces Information Service News
Articles. Advises service members to be aware of and educate
themselves about the growing chemical-biological threat.
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