Anthrax as a Bioterrorism Agent Discussion

Begin by reviewing the Media Focus video on bioterrorism

Give an example and details from national/international news of a bioterrorist attack.

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Address all of the following in your post:

What was the classification of biological agent used in the attack?
Discuss the implications of the biological agent.
Discuss the therapy for the biological agent.
What are the decontamination procedures for the biological agent used in the attack?
Define the appropriate level of PPE required for this type of biological agent?

In your post, provide the name of the incident you have chosen, and support your answers with evidence/examples. Please provide a working link and a citation for your source(s).

In your replies to peers, compare the different biological agents, their implications and therapies. Discuss the different types of decontamination procedures and levels of PPE that would be required.

Support your answer with evidence from scholarly sources.

peer 1: Typhoid Fever in 1984

According to the CDC, yellow fever is classified as a Category B in which it is, “moderately easy to disseminate, cause moderate morbidity, [and] require enhanced disease surveillance and bublic health diagnostic capacity” (Das & Kataria, 2010). In Oregon of 1984, the Rajneesh cult contaminated local salad bars and other restaurant food receptacles with Salmonella enterica in an attempt to influence local elections. The followers hoped to prevent residents from voting and while, “hundreds were affected, 45 were hospitalized but no fatalities resulted” (Pike, 2011). Therapy for typhoid fever includes antibiotic treatment in which ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were used. The proper decontamination procedures included appropriate handwashing to rid of the bacteria, taking antibiotics as prescribed, and not preparing food for others. In a clinical setting, PPE involves donning gloves when caring for a patient with typohid. Facial protection may also be necessary if there is a possible risk for aerosolization with feces or culture material.

Peer 2: Antrax:

There have been numerous biological agents used for terrorist attacks throughout the years, but the one that I have decided to write about it Bacillus Anthracis, also known as Antrax. Antrax spores can become in anyone’s pocession because they are easily found in nature, produced in the lab, and last a long time in the environment. In 2001, Antrax spores were placed inside of envelops and letters and were mailed throughout the US postal system. In this incident, 22 people, including 12 mail handlers got antrax and 5 of the 22 ended up dying from it (CDC, ). This agent is known as Tier 1 biological agent because the agents and toxins present the greatest risk of deliberate abuse with the potential for lots of death to occur. There are a few different types of antrax and they all have different implications and symptoms associated with them. Cutaneous Antrax symptoms include: blisters, swelling, and ulcers. Inhalation Antrax symptoms include: fever, chills, cough, dizziness, headache, and sweats. GI Antrax symptoms include: sore throat, fever, chills, painful swallowing, and stomach pain. Injection Antrax symptoms include: swelling around sore, fever, chills, small blisters, and swelling around sore. When it comes to treating this biological agent doctors use antibiotics or antitoxins. Decontamination procedures are done using a few different disinfection sprays such as Sporicidin, Vesphene, Bleach Rite, and SporGon (Heninger, 2009). The proper PPE that needs to be worn for coming into contact with Antrax includes respiratory protection, protective garmets such as coveralls, boot covers, and chemical resistant suits, eye and face protection, and gloves. All of these equipment needs to be worn at all times.