Biological Threat
Biological agents are bacteria, virus or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops.
Delivery Methods:
- 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
Precautions for Known or Suspected Exposure:
- 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: