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Overview
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other
biological substances that can make you sick. Many agents must be
inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be eaten to make you
sick. Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious
diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in diseases
you can catch from other people.
If There is a Biological Threat
Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately
obvious. While it is possible that you will see signs of a biological
attack, as was sometimes the case with the anthrax mailings, it
is perhaps more likely that local health care workers will report
a pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people
seeking emergency medical attention. You will probably learn of
the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, or some other
signal used in your community. You might get a telephone call or
emergency response workers may come to your door.
In
the event of a biological attack, public health officials may
not immediately be able to provide information on what you should
do. It will take time to determine exactly what the illness is,
how it should be treated, and who is in danger. However, you should
watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official
news including the following:
- Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?
- What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
- Are medications or vaccines being distributed?
- Where? Who should get them?
- Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?
During a declared biological emergency:
- If a family member becomes sick, it is important
to be suspicious.
- Do not assume, however, that you should go
to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result
of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses
may overlap.
- Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid
spreading germs, and seek medical advice.
- Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe
to be in danger.
- If
your symptoms match those described and you are in
the group considered at risk, immediately seek
emergency medical attention.
If you are potentially exposed:
- Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
- If the disease is contagious expect to receive
medical evaluation and treatment. You may be
advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.
- For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive
medical evaluation and treatment.
If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:
- Quickly get away.
- Protect
yourself. Cover your mouth and nose
with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow
breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such
as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several layers
of tissue or paper towels may help.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Contact authorities.
- Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official
news and information including what the signs and symptoms
of the disease are, if medications or vaccinations are being distributed
and where you should seek medical attention if you become sick.
- If you become sick seek emergency medical attention.
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