4-Biological Agents 0511

Overview of WMD Awareness Level Response Training

• Topic: Biological Agents

• Presented by: Office of Grants and Training National Domestic Preparedness Consortium

• Key focus: Understanding biological agents and their impact in planning responses to WMD events.

Training Objectives

• Understand the RAIN concept as it applies to biological agents:

  • Recognize clinical characteristics of biological agents.

  • Avoid hazards and prevent illness caused by biological agents.

  • Isolate biological hazards and patients with contagious diseases.

  • Notify appropriate resources when responding to a WMD event.

• Describe different biological agents.

• Identify general signs and symptoms of exposure to biological agents.

• Discuss physical characteristics of biological agents.

• Review advantages and disadvantages of using biological agents for terrorism.

Understanding Biological Agents

Key Characteristics

• Dissemination Types: Aerosol, solid, liquid.

• Routes of Entry: Inhalation, contact, ingestion, injection.

• General Signs/Symptoms of Exposure: May include flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, nausea.

• Mortality Rates: Varied based on agent and promptness of treatment.

• Basic Treatment Options: Antibiotics, supportive care depending on the agent.

Current Bio-Threats

• **Washington D.C. Schools Suspicious Powder Incident (

  • Date: May 6, 2011.

  • Impact: Response to envelopes with suspicious powder referencing FBI and al-Qaeda.

• Security in Biodefense Labs: Concerns regarding lack of global security rules for labs studying lethal pathogens.

• Protection of African Pathogens: Urging for security to prevent misuse in biological attacks.

Cost Comparisons for Biological Agents

• Cost of Producing Mass Casualties Per Square Kilometer:

  • Conventional: $2,000

  • Nuclear: $800

  • Chemical: $600

  • Biological: $1

Types of Biological Agents

Categories

• Category A: High-priority agents like Anthrax, Plague, Smallpox.

• Category B: Lower threat, includes agents like Ricin, Q fever.

• Category C: Emerging pathogens like Nipah virus and Yellow fever.

Specific Examples

• Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis):

  • Routes of Entry: Inhalation, contact, ingestion.

  • Mortality: Can be fatal without treatment, early treatment is crucial.

  • Treatment: Ciprofloxacin, Tetracyclines, Penicillins.

• Plague (Yersinia pestis):

  • Routes of Entry: Aerosol, ingestion, injection.

  • Symptoms: High fever, chills, coughing up blood.

  • Treatment: Early antibiotics needed within 24 hours of symptoms.

• Tularemia (Francisella tularensis):

  • Routes of Entry: Inhalation, contact, injection.

  • Symptoms: Sudden fever, fatigue, joint pain.

  • Mortality: Relatively low but requires treatment.

Viral Agents

• Smallpox (Variola virus):

  • Routes of Entry: Inhalation.

  • Symptoms: Fever, malaise, vomiting.

  • Mortality: Up to 30% of cases; no proven treatment available.

Toxins

• Ricin (Ricinus communis):

  • Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, injection.

  • Symptoms: Weakness, dizziness, respiratory failure.

  • Treatment: Supportive care, no antidote.

• Abrin: Similar to ricin but more toxic; usage in experiments by individuals has been noted.

Historical Context

• First Bioterrorism Example in North America:

  • Smallpox used against Native Americans in 1763 and British tactics reported in 1777 highlighted risks of biological warfare.

Major Concerns and Considerations

Advantages of Biological Agents

• Available, hard to detect, covert use, easily spread, psychological impact.

Disadvantages

• Can have delayed effects, hazardous production, environmental factors can limit effectiveness.

Community Preparedness and Response

• Local Sources of Threats: Agriculture, laboratories, food industries, waste disposal, etc.

• Importance of Self-Protection: Proper sanitation, personal protective equipment, and decontamination measures.

Summary and Vigilance

• Rapid recognition of potential bioterrorism events is crucial.

• Requires continuous training and community awareness to respond effectively to biological threats.