the important task of biodefense research. It focuses on the development of medical countermeasures for threats of biological, chemical, and radiologic exposures. The institute has concentrated on countering the effects of infectious diseases because of the new deadly pathogens that terrorists have introduced. The organization is focusing on developing drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for potential threats. The research has focused on developing broad-spectrum therapies as opposed to a “one bug-one drug” approach (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, 2016). This will allow flexibility in treating infectious diseases spread by terrorists and promote faster relief to the victims. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease lists and ranks the three categories of pathogens: Category A pathogens are those organisms/biological agents that pose the highest risk to national security and public health because they can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person, result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact, might cause public panic and social disruption, and require special action for public health preparedness. Category B pathogens are the second-highest priority organisms/ biological agents. These pathogens are moderately easy to disseminate, result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates, and require specific enhancements for diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease surveillance. Category C pathogens are the third-highest priority. These include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in the future because of availability, ease of production, and dissemination. They have a potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact (NIAID, 2018). For examples of the different kinds of emerging pathogens, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has a comprehensive list in each category (https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/emerging- infectious-diseases-pathogens). Self-Assessment Quiz Question #4 Bioterrorism is a new concept that involves the use of biological agents.
encephalitis (alphaviruses, such as eastern equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and western equine encephalitis]), and water safety threats ( Vibrio cholerae , Cryptosporidium parvum ; CDC, 2018a). The Category B agents are delivered through water and food sources, have moderate morbidity, have low mortality, and require management assistance from the public health sector. Category C agents have not yet been used as weapons, have the potential to be used as weapons, are readily available, and are easy to produce and disseminate (CDC, 2018a). Commonly used causative agents are anthrax, tularemia, brucellosis, and melioidosis (Kabir et al., 2016). Foodborne pathogens may include cryptosporidiosis, smallpox, cryptosporidiosis, and viral hemorrhagic fevers (CDC, 2016; Kabir et al., 2016). In Belgium, a terrorist was arrested carrying explosives, fermented fecal matter, and animal tissue consisting of chopped testicles. The intent was to contaminate wounds from the bomb with bacteria that can cause infection and further complicate any recovery. These are called dirty bombs because of the biological material present that is dispersed in the explosion. The chopped animal meat can maintain the pathogens for up to 8 weeks and encourage fecal growth. Brucella is a highly pathogenic organism that can be found in animal testicles and is considered a biological weapon that will suppress the immune system, delay wound healing, and exacerbate other bacterial species (Washington & Blythe, 2016). This further complicates care and long-term recovery. There can be widespread dissemination of viruses such as Ebola. This can happen by contact with infected animals or spread from person to person. Terrorists could put Ebola in a bomb that would have a range of about 30 feet, or they could do a suicide mission and spread it from person to person by touch. The virus can spread through broken skin or the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, and/or mouth. The spread can also take place with contact with an infected person’s urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen. It is harder to contract when compared to chemical agents that can be inhaled. Leaving Ebola on surfaces for people to contract is not a very effective means of dissemination because the virus dies off quickly in the open air (Jacobson, 2014). After the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) took on Medical consequenc es With biological agent bombs, the chance of infection is so great that prophylactic antibiotics must be administered immediately and aggressively. If the biological agents are in a bomb, it can result in deep, penetrating wounds that need to be treated. This requires washing, irrigation, debridement, and possibly surgical intervention. The areas should be cultured, and appropriate techniques should be used for handling the wounds (Washington & Blythe, 2016). If the bomb carries a virus such as Ebola, there is the chance it could spread from person to person. Because the virus spreads from contact, isolation precautions should be used. Medical personnel should wear gowns, gloves, and special protective equipment (CDC, 2018f). Anthrax and tularemia are not spread through person-to-person contact, so different precautions are taken. Ebola Diagnosis of Ebola may be difficult as the symptoms of headache, fever, and weakness are also present in malaria and typhoid. Other symptoms of Ebola may include bleeding or unexplained bruising. The diagnosis is made by symptoms and a history of exposure to a person known to have Ebola within 21 days of the victim becoming sick (CDC, 2018f). Blood samples are required and tested to confirm the infection. Detectable levels of the virus may not appear for 3 days after symptoms appear (CDC, 2018f). The CDC (2018f) outlined the following areas that healthcare providers must comply with
a. True. b. False
to contain the virus (USHHS: Radiation Emergency Medical Management [REMM], 2021c): ● Healthcare workers caring for patients with Ebola must have received comprehensive training and demonstrated competency in performing Ebola-related infection control practices and procedures. ● PPE that covers the clothing and skin and completely protects mucous membranes is required when caring for patients with Ebola. ● Personnel providing care to patients with Ebola must always be supervised by an on-site manager. A trained observer must supervise each step of every PPE donning/doffing procedure to ensure that the established PPE protocols are completed correctly. ● Individuals unable or unwilling to adhere to infection control and PPE use procedures should not provide care for patients with Ebola. COVID-19 Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. New Coronaviruses have emerged from animal reservoirs such as pigs, camels, bats, and cats, causing serious and widespread illness and death, and have caused pandemics starting in 2003 (CDC, 2013). In 2019, SARS-CoV-2 emerged from China, spread to 26 countries within a few months, and was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization
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