Examining the Likely Biological Agents

Written by Stephanie Kriner, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

October 9, 2001 — There are dozens of biological agents that could be used but the two that concern authorities most are anthrax and smallpox.

While smallpox is highly contagious, anthrax is not, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies. Anthrax is a bacterium that would have to be disseminated by an aerosol. It would infect only those who inhale the germ.

If an anthrax outbreak occurred, health authorities would conduct a rapid investigation, determine the place and time of the release and identify individuals who need antibiotics. The federal government has stockpiled antibiotics for large-scale distribution in the event of a bio-terrorist attack.

Smallpox is also spread by aerosol, but it is highly contagious and could lead to an epidemic. Historically 1 out of 3 people, who contract the disease dies, according to Johns Hopkins. However, the smallpox vaccine can protect an infected person if given 2 to 3 days after exposure, and may prevent a fatal outcome when given as late as 4 to 5 days after exposure, Johns Hopkins reports.

Smallpox was stamped out globally by 1980 and vaccinations stopped everywhere in the world. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain an emergency supply of smallpox vaccination. Currently there are 12 to 15 million doses in storage, and a program to produce more vaccine began a year ago.

In addition, the government maintains stockpiles of antibiotics, chemical antidotes and other medical supplies set aside for emergencies, and strategically located around the country. The federal government also has made arrangements with drug manufacturers to make large amounts of additional emergency medicines.

Johns Hopkins encourages the public to rely on the government to supply the necessary medical treatments in case of a chemical or biological attack. It recommends against creating a personal supply of antibiotics. "Many antibiotics are effective for a variety of diseases, but there is no antibiotic that is effective against all diseases," it states. In addition, antibiotics have a limited "shelf life" before they lose their strength.

Johns Hopkins also discourages the general public to purchasing gas masks for protection against a potential biological or chemical attack. "Unfortunately, a release of a biological agent is most likely done "covertly," that is without anyone knowing it. That means you would not know ahead of time to put on your mask. To wear a mask continuously or 'just in case' a bioterrorist attack occurs, is impractical, if not impossible," Johns Hopkins stated in a Web site document.