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Biological agents are organisms or toxins
that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock and crops.
Biological agents are generally divided
into either replicating (infectious) agents, or non-replicating
(non-infecting or intoxicating) agents. Replicating agents are
pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungus. Non-replicating agents are
produced from replicating agents, other living organisms and plants and
are called "toxins".
Because biological agents cannot
necessarily be detected and may take time to grow and cause a disease,
it is almost impossible to know that a biological attack has occurred.
If government officials become aware of a biological attack through an
informant, warning by terrorists, or an increase of illnesses being
treated in emergency rooms they would most likely instruct
citizens to either seek shelter where they are and seal the premises or
evacuate immediately.
A person affected by a biological agent
requires the immediate attention of professional medical personnel. Some
agents are contagious, and victims may need to be quarantined. Also,
some medical facilities may not receive victims for fear of
contaminating the hospital population.
A biological attack is the
deliberate release of germs or other substances that can make you sick.
Many agents must be inhaled, absorbed through cuts in the skin or eaten
to make you sick. Some biological agents, such as anthrax do not cause
diseases that are contagious. Others, like the smallpox virus, can
result in illnesses you can catch from other people. Many of these
agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about
creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
Antibiotics
While antibiotics are often an appropriate treatment for the
diseases associated with biological weapons, the specific drug must
match the illness to be effective. One antibiotic, for example, may be
appropriate for treating anthrax exposure, but is inappropriate for
treating smallpox. All antibiotics can cause side effects including
serious reactions. Plan to speak with your health care provider in
advance about what makes sense for your family.
Use Common Sense
In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not
immediately be able to provide information on what you should do. It
will take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it should
be treated, and who is in danger. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or
check the Internet for official news including the following:
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Are you in the group or area
authorities considered in danger?
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What are the signs and symptoms of
the disease?
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Are medications or vaccines being
distributed? Where? Who should get them?
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Where should you seek emergency
medical care if you become sick?
At the time of a declared biological
emergency, if a family member becomes sick, it is important to be
suspicious. Do not automatically assume, however, that you should go to
an emergency room or that any illness is the result of the biological
attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap. Use common sense,
practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek
medical advice.
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Stay healthy. Eat well. Get plenty
of rest.
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Use common sense to
determine if there is immediate danger.
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Wash your hands
with soap and water frequently.
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In a declared biological
emergency or developing epidemic, there may be reason to stay
away from crowds where others may be infected.
If you become aware of an unusual
and suspicious release of an unknown substance nearby, it doesn't
hurt to protect yourself. Be prepared to improvise to protect your nose,
mouth, eyes and cuts in your skin.
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Cover your mouth
and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the
air but still allow breathing. For example, two to three layers of
cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several
layers of tissue or paper towels may help.
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Wash
with soap and
water.
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Contact authorities.
For more information regarding
biological weapons of mass destruction go to the following Center for
Disease Control (CDC) website:
www.bt.cdc.gov/Agent/agentlist.asp
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