Biological Attacks

A biological attack is an attack using toxic chemicals and contagious diseases as weapons of war.

A terrorist group is more likely to use different weapons in an attack.

First of all, it is impossible to predict with certainty what approach someone or group might use.

WHAT ARE NERVE AGENTS???

CHEMICALS THAT AFFECT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. HENCE THE NAME-NERVE AGENTS NERVE AGENTS ARE SIMILAR TO INSECTISIDES—WHICH CAN BE DEADLY IF EXPOSED

Breathing a lethal dose of these chemicals can kill in 15 minutes; A lethal dose on the skin can kill in only 1-2 minutes!! To get an idea of how deadly these chemicals are, you do the math VX SOMAN 1,000- 1, SARIN 1,000- 1, TABUN SKIN EXPOSURE LETHAL DOSE INHALATION LETHAL DOSE (mg*min/m3) YEAR FIRST MADE NAME

They can be released using bombs, missiles, spray tanks, rockets and landmines. VX is the most deadly and Tabun is the least deadly (although still very hazardous). Nerve agents are more dense than air so they are especially dangerous to people in low areas.

Nerve agents are clear and may have no odor. Similar to Carbon Monoxide. They are extremely dangerous and can enter the body through the air or contact with the skin.

Treatment for Nerve Agent Exposure Immediate treatment of a person who has been exposed to a nerve agent exposure includes a complete washing of the eyes and skin with water. A diluted (5%) bleach solution should also be applied to the skin if possible.

Atropine & Pralidoxime Chloride Have been used for antidotes. Atropine works by blocking one type of acetylcholine receptor so that the acetylcholine that is already in the synapse cannot work. Pralidoxime works by blocking the binding of the nerve agent to the AChE. Diazepam AKA Valium may be used to reduce convulsions andseizures brought on by exposure to nerve agents.

NERVE AGENTS

Category A Diseases/Agents The U.S. public health system and primary healthcare providers must be prepared to address various biological agents, including pathogens that are rarely seen in the United States. High-priority agents include organisms that pose a risk to national security because they can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person; result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact; might cause public panic and social disruption; and require special action for public health preparedness.

Category A, Agents include: AnthraxAnthrax (Bacillus anthracis) BotulismBotulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin) PlaguePlague (Yersinia pestis) SmallpoxSmallpox (variola major) TularemiaTularemia (Francisella tularensis) Viral hemorrhagic feversViral hemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses [e.g., Ebola, Marburg] and arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo])

ANTRAX This is most likely during terror attacks Remember the outbreak after 9/11 Antrax is a bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis Skin anthrax and inhalation anthrax

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS First appers in 1-5 days as a small pimple-looking sore that progresses. Fever You may feel fatigued

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE SMALLPOX BUBONIC PLAGUE

SMALLPOX IS A VIRUS Variola is the virus that causes smallpox. Two types –Variola Major - the most sever form –Variola Minor - a milder form

Signs & Symptoms High fever Headaches and Body Aches Chills Hallucinations Vomiting Abdominal and Back Pain Rash

Treatment Isolation Vaccination Treatment is mainly to help relieve symptoms

BIOLOGICAL AGENTS CAN BE DISSEMINATED IN VARIOUS WAYS.

Through the air by aerosol sprays Used in explosives (artillery, missiles, detonated bombs) Put into food or water Absorbed through or injected into the skin

How to Recognize a Biological Attack

Smell in the air Experiencing different symptoms It is dark You see gas clouds Explosions You might hear of attack via radio, TV, sirens, etc.

PREPARING FOR ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT. IT NEEDS TO INCLUDE:

MRE's are perfect for 1 year food storage & last for years!! Imagine a natural disaster hits....you & your family will be prepared with a delicious & nutritious, hot, high calorie meal in seconds!! Each Case contains 12 complete meals, 6 different menus each for variety!MRE's are perfect for 1 year food storage & last for years!! With a minimum shelf life of 3 years, and up to 130 months (10 + years, according to the manufactures specifications) if stored at 60 degrees F or lower, these meals are ideal for camping, hiking, disaster preparedness or as a safety/survival measure for the entire family!! Each MRE case contain 12 main meal entrees (2 of each per case): Chicken Noodle, Beef Stew, Chicken Tetrazzini, Chicken with Black Beans and Rice, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Chili with Beef and Beans.

A BATTERY-POWERED COMMERCIAL RADIO WITH EXTRA BATTERIES NON-PERISHABLE FOOD AND DRINKING WATER. A ROLL OF DUCT TAPE AND SCISSORS

PLASTIC FOR DOORS, WINDOWS AND VENTS FOR THE ROOM IN WHICH YOU WILL SHELTER, (THIS SHOULD BE AN INTERNAL ROOM WHERE YOU CAN BLOCK OUT AIR THAT MAY CONTAIN HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL AGENTS).

FIRST AID KIT SANITATION SUPPLIES INCLUDING SOAP, WATER AND BLEACH.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES Masks: Military gas mask or high- efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter masks Clothing: Most biological agents in the air do not penetrate unbroken skin, and few stick to skin or clothing

Medical Protection: Antibiotics: Orally or through an IV, even before specific agent is Identified Vaccinations: Available for anthrax, botulinum toxin, tularemia, plague, Q fever, and smallpox