Biological Disaster

A biological disaster can occur either through an act of terrorism, or by an unintentional release of microorganisms into a populated environment.


BIOTERRORISM


Terrorism by intentional release or dissemination of biological agents (bacteria, viruses or toxins); these may be in a naturally-occurring or in a human-modified form.


AEROSOL ANTHRAX


An aerosol distribution of anthrax would result in inhalation, followed by a progressive infection. Monetary losses would number in the billions, casualties in the thousands. Symptoms would not become apparent for approximately 36 hours, at which point physicians may still have difficulty assessing the exact source of illness.

Incident Planning Guide (Hospital Incident Command System) http://www.emsa.ca.gov/hics/ext%2002%20-%20Bio_Aerosol%20Anthrax.pdf


PNEUMONIC PLAGUE


This type of plague infects the lungs and spreads from person to person through the air. Transmission can take place if someone breathes in aerosolized bacteria, which could happen in a bioterrorist attack. Early treatment of pneumonic plague is crucial, and antibiotics should be administered within the first 24 hours of symptoms. Antibiotic treatment for 7 days will protect people who have had direct, close contact with infected patients. Wearing a close-fitting surgical mask also protects against infection. Currently, no plague vaccination exists in the United States.


FOOD CONTAMINATION


When an outbreak of food contamination occurs, it is not only a threat to public health, but to the entire food industry as well. As business interruption planning becomes increasingly important, so does product recall insurance. Every step of the process, from growing to distributing, is at risk for consequence when an outbreak occurs. - http://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/southeast/2006/11/06/features/74360.htm.


FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE


"Even though the United States has the most extensive disease surveillance and response system in the world, there are gaps in its ability to detect outbreaks early, as the 1999 West Nile virus outbreak illustrated. Whether a threat results from a natural outbreak of an unknown pathogen or the deliberate use of disease by terrorists, animals might be sentinels of a hazard that could affect humans."-Florida Division of Emergency Management


PANDEMIC FLU


A pandemic flu has the potential for a severe impact on the domestic and world economy. It could cause a major impact on society, such as widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, cancellation of large public gatherings, etc. Healthcare facilities would be inundated, and a vaccine may not be available for some time.

Pandemic Planning Toolkit
http://www.pandemictoolkit.com/