Understanding Terrorism

What is Bioterrorism?
Agents of Bioterrorism
Web Presentations

What is bioterrorism?
To understand bioterrorism, you must first have a clear understanding of biological weapons. Biological weapons have been used for centuries. As far back as the middle ages, warring tribes would catapult diseased carcasses over castle walls to infect their enemies encamped within.

The same basic concept is used today. Disease-causing microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, and viruses — used to infect and potentially kill a wide population can be an effective weapon. Biological weapons have been developed by several countries, but because the results of a biological attack are particularly terrible, the agents have rarely been used. Terrorists use this knowledge to their advantage. Bioterrorism is the use of biological weapons by groups to intimidate and frighten others into granting their demands.

Agents of Bioterrorism
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list these agents as those most likely used in the event of a biological attack. To help you make the best decisions to keep your family safe, it's important for you to have a clear understanding of each agent, its associated symptoms, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself.

• Anthrax
  Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
• Pneumonic Plague
  Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
• Botulism
  Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
• Smallpox
  Smallpox infection was eliminated from the world in 1977. It is caused by variola virus, and its incubation period is about 12 days (range: 7 to 17 days) following exposure.
• Tularemia
  Tularemia is a rare bacteria caused by the organism Francisella tularensis and is one of the most infectious bacteria known.
• Hemorrhagic Fever
  Hemorrhagic fever refers to a disease caused by a group of viruses such as the Marburg and Ebola viruses that are most commonly found in tropical areas.

Web Presentations
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• Bioterrorism: What You Need to Know
  
  
• Anthrax Management Teleconference
  Presented by Michael Allswede, DO, and UPMC terrorism expert