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Overview
A biological attack is the deliberate
release of germs or other biological
substances that can make you sick.
Many agents must be inhaled, enter
through a cut in the skin or be eaten
to make you sick. Some biological
agents, such as anthrax, do not cause
contagious diseases. Others, like the
smallpox virus, can result in diseases
you can catch from other people.
If There is a Biological
Threat
Unlike an explosion, a
biological attack may or may not be
immediately obvious. While it is
possible that you will see signs of a
biological attack, as was sometimes
the case with the anthrax mailings, it
is perhaps more likely that local
health care workers will report a
pattern of unusual illness or there
will be a wave of sick people seeking
emergency medical attention. You will
probably learn of the danger through
an emergency radio or TV broadcast, or
some other signal used in your
community. You might get a telephone
call or emergency response workers may
come to your door.
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.
However, you should watch TV, listen
to the radio, or check the Internet
for official news including the
following:
- Are you in the group or area
authorities consider in danger?
- What are the signs and symptoms
of the disease?
- Are medications or vaccines
being distributed?
- Where? Who should get them?
- Where should you seek emergency
medical care if you become sick?
During a declared
biological emergency:
- If a family member becomes sick,
it is important to be suspicious.
- Do not assume, however, that you
should go to a hospital 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.
- Consider if you are in the group
or area authorities believe to be
in danger.
- If your symptoms match those
described and you are in the group
considered at risk, immediately
seek emergency medical attention.
If you are potentially
exposed:
- Follow instructions of doctors
and other public health officials.
- If the disease is contagious
expect to receive medical
evaluation and treatment. You may
be advised to stay away from
others or even deliberately
quarantined.
- For non-contagious diseases,
expect to receive medical
evaluation and treatment.
If you become aware of an
unusual and suspicious substance
nearby:
- Quickly get away.
- Protect yourself. Cover your
mouth and nose with layers of
fabric that can filter the air but
still allow breathing. Examples
include two to three layers of
cotton such as a t-shirt,
handkerchief or towel. Otherwise,
several layers of tissue or paper
towels may help.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Contact authorities.
- Watch TV, listen to the radio,
or check the Internet for official
news and information including
what the signs and symptoms of the
disease are, if medications or
vaccinations are being distributed
and where you should seek medical
attention if you become sick.
- If you become sick seek
emergency medical attention.
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