Biological warfare (BW) aerosol attacks are different from chemical attacks in that they may provide no warning/all clear signals that allow the soldier to put on or remove his M17/M40 protective mask. Such respirators would be worn as part of a contingency defense against an enemy likely to use BW agents.
What are the two forms of bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism Diseases
- Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
- Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)
- Plague (Yersinia pestis)
- Smallpox (variola major)
- Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)
- Viral hemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses [e.g., Ebola, Marburg] and arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo])
What does aerosolized mean in medical terms?
The term is often used in medicine to refer specifically to the production of airborne particles (e.g. tiny liquid droplets) containing infectious virus or bacteria. The infectious organism is said to be aerosolized.
What is an aerosolized solution?
Aerosol therapy is a technique of administering medication directly into the airway and lungs. An aerosol is a suspension of liquid and/or solid particles, usually administered by a medical device like an inhaler.
Why is inhalation anthrax considered a bioterrorism disease?
anthracis is generally found in endospore form where it can remain viable for decades in this form. As B. anthracis forms spores that can be aerosolized and sprayed to spread disease, the potential use of this bacterium as a bioterrorism agent has long been suspected.
What is considered bioterrorism?
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.
Which is the most likely weaponized biological agent available?
Along with smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, and tularemia, hemorrhagic fever viruses are among six agents identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most likely to be used as biological weapons.
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.
What is bioterrorism and how is it defined?
According to the CDC, bioterrorism is defined as the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria or other agents used to cause illness or death in people, and also in animals or plants [ 12 ]. Bioterrorism aims to create casualties, terror, societal disruption, or economic loss, inspired by ideological, religious or political beliefs.
What are the mortality and morbidity associated with bioterrorism?
Bioterrorism has the potential to result in high morbidity and mortality, because aerosolized biological agents can infect or kill many people in a short period of time.
What is the success of bioterroristic attacks?
The success of bioterroristic attempts is defined by the measure of societal disruption and panic, and not necessarily by the sheer number of casualties. Thus, making only a few individuals ill by the use of crude methods may be sufficient, as long as it creates the impact that is aimed for.
Was Aum Shinrikyo involved in bioterrorism?
This incident was largely forgotten until, in the aftermath of the March 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, police investigations uncovered evidence that Aum Shinrikyo was involved in bioterrorism. The true nature of the Kameido incident was not revealed to the public until Asahara was arraigned on May 23, 1996.
