Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism

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  BIOTERRORISM-ANTHRAX BY A.MANOJ KUMAR
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  BIOTERRORISM Bioterrorism is aform of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological agents (bacteria, viruses, or other germs). This is also referred to as germ warfare. Terrorism is defined by the United States government as the "unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. " The term "terrorism" does not imply what weapon is being used. In addition to biological agents, terrorists can also utilize traditional weapons (guns), chemical agents and nuclear bombs.
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  Anthrax- Anthrax is aserious disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which can be found naturally in certain types of soil. Spores of the anthrax bacterium may remain in nature for many years. Anthrax most commonly occurs in warm- blooded animals but also can occur in people.
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  B. anthracis isnot known to spread from one person to another. People usually get naturally occurring skin or cutaneous anthrax by handling infected animals or their products, especially hides, hair, wool, bones or bone products. People also may be infected with inhalation anthrax by breathing in anthrax spores, or get gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.
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  anthrax be usedas a bioterrorism threat? Several terrorist groups and some nations are believed to have or are experimenting with biological weapons programs. Anthrax is considered a potential threat as a biological weapon because B. anthracis forms spores easily and can be produced in a dry form that can be spread through the air or as a powder. Since the spores last for years, they can remain in soil and other materials long after the initial release. Spores are odorless, colorless and tasteless.
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  symptoms? Symptoms of anthraxvary depending on how the person became infected but usually occur within seven days of exposure. • Skin or cutaneous. First symptom is a small sore that forms a blister. The blister then turns into a skin ulcer with a black area in the center. The sore, blister and ulcer do not hurt. Infection may spread to the bloodstream. • Inhalation. Cold- and flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches are first. Later symptoms include cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle Fact Sheet ache
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  Symptoms may appearwithin a week or can take up to 60 days to appear. Inhalation anthrax may cause a severe form of meningitis, chest infection, shock and death. • Gastrointestinal. First symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea and fever followed by bad stomach pain.
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  anthrax treated- All threetypes of anthrax can be prevented with the use of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline or penicillin. Early treatment is necessary, as a delay in treatment lowers a person’s chances for survival. These antibiotics must be taken according to directions for as many days as directed, generally up to 60 days. All the medication must be taken.
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  THANK YOU…