Bioterrorism

A biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious. While it is possible to see signs of a biological attack, it is 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 may learn of the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, or some other signal used in your community.

• Build an emergency go kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
• Make a family communication plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Consider installing a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in your furnace return duct, which will filter out most biological agents that may enter your house. If you do not have a central heating or cooling system, a stand-alone portable HEPA filter can be used.

The first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by exposure to a biological agent. If a biological attack happens, public health officials may not immediately be able to immediately provide information on what to do.  Follow these guidelines during a biological threat:

• Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news and information including signs and symptoms of the disease, areas in danger, if medications or vaccinations are being distributed and where you should seek medical attention if you become ill.
• If you notice an unusual and suspicious substance, quickly get away and contact authorities.
• 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. 
• Wear a face mask to reduce spreading germs and/or avoid contact with contagious germs if others around you are sick.
• If you have been exposed to a biological agent, remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal of contaminated items.
• Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
• Seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or even be quarantined.
• If a family member becomes sick, pay attention to the symptoms.
• Do not assume that any illness is the result of a biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Check 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.
• 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.
• In a declared biological emergency or developing epidemic, avoid crowds.

Pay close attention to all official warnings and instructions on how to proceed. The delivery of medical services for a biological event may be handled differently to respond to increased demand.

While antibiotics are often an appropriate treatment for the diseases associated with biological weapons, the specific drug must match the illness to be effective. All antibiotics can cause side effects, including serious reactions. Speak with your health care provider about what makes sense for your family.

• Biological Attack Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Bioterrorism
• Ready.gov