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Fact Sheet: TOPOFF 3 Background, Biological Agents

Release Date: 03/28/05 00:00:00

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops. The three basic groups of biological agents that 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 more durable and have long lives. They can be dispersed by spraying them in the air, or infecting animals that carry the disease to humans, as well as through food and water contamination. Person-to-person spread of a few infectious agents is possible. Humans have been the source of infection for smallpox, plague, and the Lassa virus.

Examples of Biological Agents

Anthrax – Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. The three types of this agent affect the skin, lungs, or digestive system. Anthrax is considered a Category A agent, which means that it poses the greatest possible threat to public health and it may spread across a large area; therefore an attack with this agent may require a great deal of planning to protect the public’s health. Generally, early treatment with antibiotics can cure coetaneous anthrax. Gastrointestinal anthrax is more serious and results in more deaths. Inhalation anthrax is much more severe. In 2001, about half of the cases of inhalation anthrax ended in death.

Plague – Plague is a disease caused by Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), a bacterium found in rodents and their fleas in many areas around the world. Pneumonic plague occurs when Y. pestis infects the lungs. Infection can occur by breathing in Y. pestis particles, which could happen in an aerosol release during a bioterrorism attack. Pneumonic plague is also transmitted by breathing in Y. pestis suspended in respiratory droplets from a person (or animal) with pneumonic plague. Respiratory droplets are spread most readily by coughing or sneezing. Becoming infected in this way usually requires direct and close (within six feet) contact with the ill person or animal.

Smallpox – Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There are two clinical forms of smallpox. Variola major is the severe and most common form of smallpox, with a more extensive rash and higher fever compared with Variola minor, a less common presentation of smallpox and a much less severe disease. There is no specific treatment for smallpox, and the only prevention is vaccination. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. Smallpox can also be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing. Smallpox is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals.

How To Prepare for a Biological Attack

  • Talk to your doctor to ensure all required or suggested immunizations are up to date.
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit, including the following:
    - Battery-powered commercial radio with extra batteries.
    - Non-perishable food and drinking water.
    - First aid kit and 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.
    - Avoid the furnace or utility room as an area to shelter-in-place.
    - Do not use any major appliances in your shelter-in-place.
    - Remain in the protected area and be sure to take your battery-operated 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 and listen to your radio for official instructions.

What To Do After a Biological Attack

Pay close attention to all official warnings and instructions on how to proceed. The delivery of medical services for a biological event may be handled differently to respond to increased demand. 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 Emergency Preparedness & Response section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: www.bt.cdc.gov.

CDC Anthrax Information www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/index.asp

CDC Smallpox Information www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/index.asp

CDC Plague Information www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/plague/index.asp

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Mar. 28, 2005

This page was last reviewed/modified on 03/28/05 00:00:00.