Bioterrorism risks

As with other protein toxin weapons, we expect that the generation of primary or secondary ricin aerosols, especially within an enclosed space, poses a potential biological warfare or bioterrorism risk (LeClaire and Pitt, 2005 Millard, 2005). Due to the technical challenges of generating highly toxic and persistent protein aerosols, we expect the risk of lethality to be less than the risk of operational disruption, prolonged incapacitation from ocular or respiratory tract inflammation, and increased burden on medical and logistical assets. 

Anthrax, a disease caused by infection by Bacillus anthracis via spores, can be transmitted to humans or animals ruminants such as sheep, goats, cattle, and deer are most susceptible. The handling of infected animals or animal products may also lead to human infection. Recently, anthrax has been considered to be a potential candidate for bioterrorism activity. The spores are extremely hardy and may come into contact with humans through a cut or abrasion, through consumption of infected meat, or by inhalation. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists anthrax as a category A disease, and the only vaccine that currently exists has a number of drawbacks and health risks. 

Koliopoulos, T.C. and Koliopoulou, G. 2008. Prevention acts to bioweapons bioterrorism— The use of spatial risk assessment tools for control systems Disaster Management, A.L. Bhatia (ed.), pp. 297-307. Jaipur, India Kulshrestha Pointer Publishers (http // www.vedamsbooks.com/no59575.htm). 

Hazard vulnerability risk assessments need to be reviewed at least on an annual basis. A new industry may have located to the area, or events of the world may have changed. For example, the threat of bioterrorism, emerging infectious diseases, or civil strife may become part of our reality. The emergency management plan may have to be revised, and an appendix may have to be added for newly identified risks. This process then leads to the next phase of disaster management—mitigation. 

What Are the Real Risks of Chemical Terrorism/Bioterrorism ... 

Different applications of urban-scale meteorology and wind-flow models to the emergency preparedness systems and issues for city areas can be considered many types of accidental NBC releases in urban or agricultural canopy areas. Possible threats and risks of terror actions in such areas may include 1) radionuclide releases due to accidents at nuclear power plants, dirty bombs , nuclear tests explosions, etc. 2) bioterror actions 3) chemical harmful releases due to different kind of accidents or terror acts. 

Francis D. Researchers suggest risk-based decision making model to combat bioterrorism attacks. Global Security Newswire. June 3, 2005. 

Yes. To prevent a high risk of death, antibiotics should be given within 24 hours of the first symptoms. Several types of antibiotics are effective for curing the disease and for preventing it. Available oral medications are a tetracycline (such as doxycydine) or a fluoroquinolone (such as ciprofloxacin). For injection or intravenous use, streptomycin or gentamicin antibiotics are used. Early in the response to a bioterrorism attack, these drugs would be tested to determine which is most effective against the particular weapon that was used. 

Get immediate medical attention To prevent illness, a person who has been exposed to pneumonic plague must receive antibiotic treatment without delay. If an exposed person becomes ill, antibiotics must be administered within 24 hours of their first symptoms to reduce the risk of death. Notify authorities Immediately notify local or state health departments. so they can begin to investigate and control the problem right away. If bioterrorism is suspected, the health departments will notify the CDC, FBI, and other appropriate authorities. 

Cooper WO, Hemandez-EHas S, Arbogast PG, Ehidley JA, Dyer SM, Gideon PS, et al. Antibiotics potentially used in response to bioterrorism and the risk of major congenital malformations. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2009 23 18-28. 

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