Bioterrorism > Information for the Public What is biological terrorism? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines biological terrorism as a planned release of viruses, germs or their toxins in order to harm or kill citizens. Likely modes of transmission for biological weapons are aerosolization, food, water or insects. Emergency Preparedness Pocket Guide English | Spanish Information for the Public Info for the Clinician Links to useful websites What is a biological agent? A biological agent is any germ or virus that may harm human health. High-priority agents include germs or viruses that are a risk to national security because they can be easily spread person-to-person; are very deadly; might cause public panic and social disorder; and require special action by public health. What are the most common biological agents? Anthrax Botulism Brucellosis Glanders Pneumonic Plague Smallpox Tuleremia Viral Hemorrhagic Fever What is a chemical agent? Chemical agents include nerve agents - liquids or gasses - that can poison people, animals and plants.  These agents (VX, Tabun, Sarin, Soman) damage the nervous system of victims and can cause injuries or death.  How serious the injuries are depends on the type of agent, the amount, and the length of exposure. In the same family of chemical warfare agents are industrial chemicals called organophosphates. These include Malathion or Parathion and other insecticides. Nerve agents are the most toxic chemical warfare agents known to man. What is a radiological agent? Radiation is energy released from light, heat, sound and charged particles that can cause direct or indirect damage to the body. People are exposed to some radiation every day - from natural sources, man-made (microwave ovens), and medical (x-rays). Large amounts of radiation can occur in events such as a nuclear power plant accident or a terrorist attack. Printable Fact Sheet - Chemical and Radition Agents
	ANTHRAX What is anthrax? Anthrax is a disease caused by bacteria. Anthrax is most commonly seen in livestock and rarely in humans. How do I know if I have anthrax? Anthrax symptoms depend on how the person got the disease. These are the symptoms for the three types of anthrax disease: Inhalation (breathing) — Initial symptoms are much like a common cold and may mimic flu-like symptoms. However, several hours to several days later, they progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Cutaneous (skin) — Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that is like an insect bite, but within one to two days turns into a sore and then into a painless ulcer with a black (dead) center. Lymph glands in the nearby area may swell. Intestinal (eating) — Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Need more information? Printable Fact Sheet - Anthrax CDC - Anthrax webpage top
	BOTULISM What is botulism? Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by bacteria. Need more information? Printable Fact Sheet - Botulism CDC’s Botulism Information Page top
	Brucellosis What is brucellosis? Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Brucella. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with the bacteria. Need more information? Printable Fact Sheet - Brucellosis
	Glanders What is glanders Glanders is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia mallei. Glanders usually affects horses, donkeys and mules. Other animals such as goats, dogs and cats can be infected also. Rarely, humans become infected through contact with infected animals or persons who have glanders. Printable Fact Sheet - Glanders
	PNEUMONIC PLAGUE What is pneumonic plague? Plague is a disease of animals and humans caused by bacteria. Bacteria that cause plague are found in rodents and their fleas in many areas around the world. Need more information? Printable Fact Sheet - Pneumonic Plague CDC Pneumonic Plague Information Page top
	TULAREMIA What is tularemia? Tularemia, a disease that can affect both animals and humans, is caused by bacteria. Although many wild animals get tularemia (hares, rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, beavers, deer), domestic animals (sheep and cats) sometimes get it. Need more information? Printable Fact Sheet - Tularemia CDC Tularemia Information Page top
	VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVER (VHF) What is viral hemorrhagic fever? The term viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) refers to a group of illnesses that are caused by several families of viruses. While some types of hemorrhagic fever viruses can cause mild sickness, many of these viruses cause severe, deadly disease. Need more information? Printable Fact Sheet - VHF CDC Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Information Page top
	WHO TO CONTACT BY PHONE: Alameda County Public Health Department (510) 267-8000 CDC Public Response Toll-Free Hotline (888) 246-2675 California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Safety Information Referral Line (in Engligh/Spanish) (800) 550-5234 top