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Biological Weapons Fact Sheet

Release Date: 02/10/03 00:00:00

U.S Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Press Secretary
February 10, 2003
For Immediate Release

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock, and crops.  The three basic groups of biological agents which would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Most biological agents are difficult to grow and maintain.  Many break down quickly when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, while others such as anthrax spores are very long lived.  They can be dispersed by spraying them in the air, or infecting animals which carry the disease to humans as well through food and water contamination.  Person-to-person spread of a few infectious agents is also possible.  Humans have been the source of infection for smallpox, plague, and the Lassa virus.

How To Prepare For a Biological Attack

  • Assemble a disaster supply kit, including:
  • 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.  To save time during an emergency, sheeting should be pre-measured and cut for each opening.
  • First aid kit
  • Sanitation supplies, including soap, water and bleach

What To Do During a Biological Attack

  • Listen to your radio for instructions
  • If you are instructed to remain indoors, you should:
  • Turn off all ventilation
  • Seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows
  • Remain in protected areas
  • Keep your battery-powered radio with you
  • If you are caught in an unprotected area, you should:
  • Attempt to get up-wind of the contaminated area
  • Attempt to find shelter as quickly as possible
  • Listen to your radio for official instructions

What To Do After a Biological Attack

  • If there has been no warning of attack, the first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of a disease caused by an agent exposure.  At the first sign of symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
  • In some situations, officials may be able to alert the public of a potential attack.  In such a situation, pay close attention to all official warnings and instructions on how to proceed.
  • If your skin or clothing comes in contact with a visible, potentially infectious substance, you should remove and bag your clothes and personal items and wash yourself with warm soapy water immediately.  Put on clean clothes and seek medical assistance.

For more information, visit the web site for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 02/10/03 00:00:00.