Table of Contents

Part II: Natural Disasters and Public Emergencies

Biological Threat

Biological agents are bacteria, virus, or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock, and crops.   

• Aerosols - biological agents are dispersed into the air forming a fine mist that may drift for miles.  Inhaling the agent may cause disease in humans and animals.
• Animals – insects and animals such as fleas, mice, flies, mosquitoes, and livestock spread some diseases.
• Food and water contamination – some pathogenic organisms and toxins may persist in food and water supplies.  Most microbes are killed, and toxins deactivated, by cooking food and boiling water for three minutes.
• Person-to-person – a few infectious agents, such as smallpox, plague, and the Lassa viruses, can spread through human contact.

• Move away from the agent quickly
• Remove and bag contaminated clothes and items
• Wash with soap and water
• Contact public health authorities
• Monitor local broadcast media for emergency information and instructions
• Seek medical attention if symptoms appear – public health instructions may include avoiding others or quarantine

Additional information on Biological Threats is available on the following websites:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security  at http://www.dhs.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  at http://www.cdc.gov/