NCJ Number
191571
Date Published
1999
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This chapter makes recommendations in how medical research could protect the United States from biological attacks.
Abstract
Certain biological agents, such as the Ebola virus, are too potent and dangerous for terrorists to use. Anthrax and smallpox are stable in the environment for several days after being dispersed and are therefore sought after by terrorists. Early warning signals for biological pathogens are desirable, but not yet possible. Instead, protection against the pathogens is limited to producing physical barriers and quarantines, chemical disinfectants, administration of vaccines, antiserum and antibiotics, and augmentation of the immune system. Sheep, goats, cattle, and horses are carriers of anthrax, which humans pick up with contact with infected animals. A rare disease, its outbreak would cause suspicion of terrorism. Penicillin is the drug of choice for treatment. Plague, which spreads through contact with infected fleas, is rare. Without treatment, it is almost always fatal. Botulism is caused by swallowing a toxin found in food that has not been sterilized properly. It causes paralysis. It has been said that a half-ounce of botulinum toxin properly dispersed can kill everyone in North America. However, the likelihood of it used as a terrorist weapon is unlikely given the dilution effect and chlorination in large cities' water supplies. Q-fever is transmitted by respiratory secretions. An infected person usually has symptoms three weeks after exposure and develops fever, headaches, respiratory symptoms, and atypical pneumonia, but recovery is usually complete. San Joaquin Valley Fever is caused by inhalation of C. immitis spores and can be treated by antifungal drugs. Smallpox virus is spread through inhalation and has caused the death of 30 to 40 percent of populations during epidemics. Quarantine procedures are effective. A good vaccine is available, and stockpiles are nearly impossible to obtain. Encephalitis is transmitted by mosquitos, but an aerosol transmission is effective. Very little can be done for the patient, except treat the symptoms. Transmission of the ebola virus is not fully understood. There is no vaccine, and attempts to produce antibodies have been unsuccessful. The virus could be a strong weapon, but there is a risk that terrorists could be infected. Policies should support additional research on producing rapid diagnostic techniques, and development of new antibiotics, and vaccines. Table lists pathogens, the type of agent, mode of transmission, biohazard rating, and preventive agent. References