Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses U.S.-Russian Workshop Proceedings (2004) / Chapter Skim
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E Biological Terrorism
E Biological Terrorism
Pages 214-221
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From page 214... ...
In contrast to the acute onset and first responder focus with a chemical attack, in a bioterrorist attack, the physician and the hospital will be at the center of the fray. Whether the attack is a hoax, a small foodborne outbreak, a lethal aerosol cloud moving silently through a city at night, or the introduction of contagious disease, the physician who understands threat agent characteristics and diagnostic and treatment options and who thinks like an epidemiologist will have the greatest success in limiting the impact of the attack.
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From page 215... ...
Weaponization and field testing may be more difficult to disguise, but the previous Iraqi regime successfully tested aerosol dissemination equipment on aircraft by flying modified crop-dusting equipment out of a cropdusting airfield. Although the previous Iraqi regime had successfully developed and field-tested biological agents (Bacillus anthracis, botulinum toxin serotype A, and aflatoxin)
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From page 216... ...
The agents of anthrax, plague, and tularemia were commonly selected bacterial agents throughout the past 60 years. The easily grown and highly infectious encephalitic alphaviruses (for example, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, or VEE)
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Such toxins are potential threats to our cities. The botulinum toxins are so potent that lethal aerosol mass casualty weapons could be produced with quantities that are attainable relatively easily with current technology.
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From page 218... ...
During epidemiological investigation, the case definition allows investigators widely separated geographically to use the same criteria in evaluating the extent of the outbreak and the attack rate. It allows the outbreak to be described, and the clinically based definition supports diagnostic and triage efforts even if definitive diagnostic tools are not widely available.
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From page 219... ...
If the agent causes severe illness or death, hospitals must be prepared to increase capacities by adding beds and reducing routine patient load. Preparation for Biological Attack: What Can a Medical Center Do?
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From page 220... ...
To apply the knowledge we already have or to use the facilities already in place in a mass casualty resulting from a biological terrorist attack is the least difficult, least expensive, and probably the most important thing we can do to prepare. Routine Surveillance Although most surveillance programs may be initiated at the national or state level, hospitals and medical centers should consider establishing their own.
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From page 221... ...
1998. Report of the United States of America to the United Nations Department of Disarmament Affairs.
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