Epidemiologic clues of biologic warfare
Epidemiologic clues of biologic warfare
- ANY single case of an uncommon agent (smallpox, some viral hemorrhagic fevers, anthrax)
- The presence of an unusually large number of patients with similar disease or symptoms
- Many cases of unexplained diseases or deaths
- Dead or dying animals
- More severe disease than is usual for a specific pathogen
- Failure to respond to standard therapy for a specific pathogen
- Disease that is unusual for the geographic area or season
- Disease transmitted by a vector that usually is not present
- Unusual route of exposure for a disease (inhalation anthrax or plague)
- Multiple, simultaneous, or serial epidemics of different diseases
- A disease that is unusual for an age group or population
- Similar genetic pattern of diseases from distinct sources at different times or locations
- Discrete attack rates among those in a particular building or at a specific event
- Outbreak of disease in noncontiguous areas (not spread by travelers)
- Intelligence report of a potential attack
Source: Adapted from a similar table found in the USAMRIID Medical Management of Biologic Casualties Handbook. USAMRIID 2001; Fort Detrick, MD.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.