Biological Threat

Are you at risk?

A biological threat, also known as bioterrorism or a biological attack, is the deliberate release of germs, viruses, or other biological agents that can cause illness in people, livestock, and crops.
There are three types of biological agents that may be used as weapons in a biological attack: bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Anthrax, plague, and smallpox are examples of specific agents that could be used in a biological attack.
Biological agents can be released and dispersed through populations by person-to-person contact, infected animals, aerosol sprays, or contaminated food and water supplies.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and other federal agencies work together to prepare for biological attacks and make sure that adequate drugs, supplies, and vaccines will be available to the public in case of a biological threat.

How will you be alerted of a biological threat?

Depending on the type and severity of the situation, a biological threat may or may not be immediately identified. Typically, local health departments will identify biological threats based on patterns of unusual illnesses or higher rates of people seeking emergency medical attention for strange symptoms. Once a biological threat is identified, the public will be alerted through emergency TV or radio broadcasts. If you have signed up for your community emergency warning notification system, you may also receive a phone call or home visit from emergency response personnel to notify you of the situation.

Note that public health officials may not be able to provide immediate information about the situation or what you should do. It may take some time for authorities to determine what the illness is, how it spreads, how it should be treated, and who is at risk.

Before a Biological Threat

Make a plan for evacuating and sheltering (Step 1), develop a family communications plan (Step 3), and build an emergency supply kit (Step 5).
Check with your doctor or schedule an appointment to make sure that all required and recommended vaccinations are up to date for yourself and all family members, especially children and older adults.

During a Biological Threat

Monitor the TV, radio, or internet for updates and announcements from authorities. Look for information about the signs and symptoms of the disease and areas at greatest risk. Find out if and where medications or vaccinations are being distributed, and where to seek medical attention if you believe you have become ill. Follow the instructions of public health officials, doctors, and other medical personnel.
Stay away from any unusual or suspicious substances, and avoid large crowds of people.
Use breathable layers of fabric, such as a t-shirt or towel, to cover your mouth and nose, or wear a face mask to filter the air and prevent inhalation of germs.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, and do not share utensils with others.
If you have been exposed to a biological agent: 1) Remove and bag your clothes and any personal items you have been in contact with, 2) Follow instructions for disposal of contaminated items, 3) Thoroughly wash yourself with soap and water, and put on clean clothes, 4) Stay away from others, and 5) Seek immediate medical attention.

After a Biological Threat

Continue to monitor the TV, radio, and internet for updates from authorities. Follow instructions for seeking medical attention or decontamination.

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