Biological agents

Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death. These organisms are ubiquitous in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because A lot of microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of work-related settings.

Anthrax

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It is usually acquired following contact with anthrax-infected animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products. Anthrax has received heightened attention recently because of its use as a biological warfare agent.

Avian Flu

Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently epidemic amongst poultry in Asia. Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts agree that immediate culling of infected and exposed birds is the first line of defense for both the protection of human health and the reduction of further losses in the agricultural sector.

Bioterrorism

The use of microorganisms to cause disease is a growing concern for public health officials and agricultural bodies. A bioterrorist attack could result in mass deaths of humans, animals, and crops.

Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention

Government estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are in danger of work-related exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others.

Botulism

Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods. However, botulinum toxins are currently among the most common compounds explored by terrorists for use as biological weapons.

Emergency Preparedness - Biological

A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. A lot of 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.

Foodborne Disease

Foodborne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions. Symptoms range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes.

Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or saliva of mice and rats. Animal laboratory workers and persons working in infested buildings are at increased risk to this disease.

Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols. It is often the result of poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems.

Molds and Fungi

Molds and fungi produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne which may have negative effects on human health including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

Pneumonic Plague

The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year. A bioterrorist release of plague could result in a rapid spread of the pneumonic form of the disease, which could have devastating consequences.

Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. It is thought that no over 20% of the population has any immunity from previous vaccination.

Tularemia

Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly fever." Tularemia is tremendously infectious. Relatively few bacteria are required to cause disease, which is why it is an attractive weapon for use in bioterrorism.

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)

Lifestyle