What is bioterrorism?

Sidney Dobrin, Christopher Keller and Christian Weisser define bioterrorism as "the intentional release of germs or other biological substances such as toxins and poisons that can cause illness and death among people" (492).  These biological substances are microorganisms; bacteria or viruses that have the ability to infect humans.  These microbes invade their hosts by being breathed in, ingested or getting into the body via mucous mebranes, like the eyes, or cuts in the skin.  They may cause various symptoms from fatigue to internal bleeding (Frequently Asked Questions).  Not all of them have a high mortality rate (Frequently Asked Questions).  Some are can be cured using common antibiotics (Anthrax Fact Sheet, Plague Fact Sheet, Tularemia Fact Sheet), others can be prevented with vaccines (Smallpox Fact Sheet) and treating symptoms is the only way to deal with a few (Botulism Fact Sheet, Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Fact Sheet).  Six of the most well-known biological weapons are anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, tularemia and viral hemorrhagic fever (Information for the Public). 

Anthrax

Anthrax is caused by a bacterium that naturally occurs in soil.  The illness may be contracted via skin contact with infected animals or animal products, inhalation of the bacterial spores or gastrointestinally by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.  Anthrax spores from Bacillus anthracis can survive for years and can be made into a dry form.  The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the method of infection.  Skin or cutaneous anthrax may cause a small sore that becomes a blister, then a skin ulcer.  The respiratory form may cause flu-like symptoms that can lead to cough, chest discomfort, fatigue, shortness of breath, and possibly meningitis, chest infection, shock, and death.  Gastrointestinal anthrax can cause loss of appetite, nausea, bloody diarrhea, fever and severe stomach pain.  There is no vaccine for the general public, but anthrax can be prevented and treated using several common antibiotics. (Anthrax Fact Sheet)

Botulism

The organism that causes botulism, Clostidium botulinum, is also found naturally in soil and a single bacterium can survive years in the form of a spore.  It produces a nerve toxin that causes muscle paralysis.  The bacteria gain entry into the body systems via ingestion (food), the intestinal tract, or wounds.  The bacteria may be aerosolized or put into the food supply.  The symptoms of botulism include drooping eyelids, slurred speech, double vision, blurred vision, dry mouth or muscle weakness.  There is no vaccine for botulism, but it can be treated with antitoxins and supportive hospital care. (Botulism Fact Sheet)

Plague

Yersinia pestis is found world-wide in rodents and their fleas, and it causes the plague.  The disease has three forms.  Bubonic plague is an infection of the lymph glands and is caused by bites from infected fleas or contact between broken skin and contaminated items.  Symptoms can include fever, chills, swollen, tender lymph glands, headache and exhaustion.  Pneumonic plague is an infection of the lungs and is causes by breathing in air-born bacterial cells.  Fever, chills, headache, weakness, pneumonia, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, shock and death can result.  Septicemic plague is a blood infection in which the bacteria multiply in the blood.  This form cannot be transmitted from person to person.  Individuals with this form may experience, fever, chills, abdominal pain, shock and bleeding into the skin and other organs.  There is no vaccine for the plague, but common antibiotics are used to treat it.  (Plague Fact Sheet)

Smallpox

Smallpox is caused by the variola virus which no longer is present on the globe thanks to a world-wide vaccination campaign in the early part of the 20^th century.  Possible symptoms are headache, body ache, fever, fatigue and vomiting.  A rash of small red spots, that eventually form sores and break open, develops in the mouth.  Then, a skin rash forms, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.  This will turn into raised, fluid-filled pustules that scab over.  There is a vaccine available, but it will only be administered to the public in the case of an outbreak.  No medications exist to treat smallpox once the rashes develop.  However, supportive care increases the rate of recovery. (Smallpox Fact Sheet)

Tularemia

Francisella tularensis is the organism that causes tularemia and is commonly found in animals, especially rabbits.  The bacteria do not spread from person to person, but the disease can be contracted through infected flea bites, contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated food or breathing in the bacteria.  Fever, headache, chills, cough, chest pain, diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting, stiff neck, back pain and abdominal pain are all associated with tularemia.  No vaccine is available, but the illness can be treated using antibiotics. (Tularemia Fact Sheet)

Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Viral hemorrhagic fever is caused by several different types of viruses.  The Ebola and Marburgviruses are the most likely to be used in bioterrorism.  The viruses are passed from rodents, fleas and ticks to humans.  Some viruses can be spread from person to person by contact with contaminated objects.  The symptoms vary, but fatigue, muscle ache, fever, head ache, sore throat and weakness are common.  Some individuals may experience bleeding under the skin, in organs, or from the mouth, eyes or ears, shock, seizure, nervous system breakdown and kidney failure.  There are only two vaccines available for two of the many viruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fever.  Supportive care is the only known treatment. (Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Fact Sheet)

Essentials

Patience and cooperation are imperative.  Emergency and government agencies in the area have disaster plans ready to enact.  It is important to stay informed in the event of a biological attack.  Community leaders and emergency personnel will likely give specific information about how to stay safe and what actions to take during an attack.  In this instance, television, radio, newspapers and the internet will all be vital in order to stay informed.  (Information for the Public)

It is also a good idea to have at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications and other necessities on hand.  The best way to prevent many infections due to bioterrorism, and even everday life, is to use proper hygiene, including frequent handwashing and thoroughly cleaning cooking surfaces after meat preparation. (Information for the Public)