What is bioterrorism?
Biological terrorism is the use of biologic agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites,
or biological toxins) to intentionally produce disease or intoxication in a
susceptible population to meet terrorist aims.
What are some of the diseases possibly associated with an act of biological terrorism?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have listed
a group of diseases that are of highest concern because they have
one or more of these characteristics: can be easily spread person
to person; can cause high mortality; can cause public panic and fear;
or can require special action for public health preparedness. This
"Category A" list includes the biological agents that cause anthrax,
plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, and the viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.
How likely is a biological terrorism attack in Los Angeles County?
The likelihood of a large-scale bioterrorist event is currently
thought to be low, given the high level of technical sophistication
required to develop a weapon to disperse the biologic agents in the
manner necessary to infect massive numbers of persons. Nonetheless,
the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is focusing its
efforts on improving the ability to detect and respond to such an event, should it occur.
How prepared is Los Angeles County for a biological terrorism attack?
Los Angeles County has emergency response plans in place to deal with
hazardous chemical or biological events, as well as other disasters;
the County agencies exercise these plans on a regular basis.
These plans involve the coordination of multiple agencies involved in law
enforcement, public health, fire, emergency medical services, and disaster
response, in conjunction with other city, county, state, and federal
officials. For example, Public Health has developed systems for rapid
detection and investigation of disease outbreaks that could be the
first indication of a biological attack. Early detection will be
very important so that persons at risk can be identified and managed appropriately
Stockpiles of antibiotics that are effective against the most likely bacterial
bioterrorist agents are already in place locally and will be made available
in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
Have biological weapons ever been used in the United States?
Yes, but on a very limited scale. In 1984, 750 people became ill after
eating from salad bars that had been intentionally contaminated with
salmonella (a diarrheal disease) by followers of a religious cult
(the Bagwan Rajneesh) in a small town in Oregon in an attempt to
influence a local election. Thus far, all threats of anthrax releases
in Los Angeles County have been determined to be hoaxes.
What can I do to protect myself and my family against biological terrorism?
Prepare as you would for an earthquake or other emergency, including
ensuring that you have a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries,
and several days' supply of food and water for your family. Have a plan
to contact all family members if something happens during the work day.
Public Health or other authorized agency will use the news media to
release information and instructions you may need to protect your health.
Where can I get anthrax vaccine?
Anthrax vaccine is only available to members of the military, since they
may be at higher risk of exposure because of their occupation. At this time,
public health officials do not recommend routine vaccination of civilians
with anthrax vaccine. In the event of exposure, treatment with antibiotics
and subsequent vaccination will be provided.
Should I ask my doctor to prescribe preventive antibiotics against anthrax,
plague, or other bacterial bioterrorism threat diseases?
Inappropriate use of any antibiotics leads to increased antibiotic resistance
among many microorganisms that cause common bacterial infections, and may
also result in serious adverse effects, including allergic reactions and
interactions with other medications. Taking prophylactic antibiotics
(use of a medication before exposure to prevent infection) carries some risk
and, in the absence of any evidence of a release of a biologic agent,
currently provides no benefit.
Given the risks associated with inappropriate antibiotic use and since
medications from the national stockpile would be rapidly available for
prophylaxis of exposed persons following a confirmed bioterrorist event,
the LAC DHS strongly recommends that physicians not prescribe antibiotics
for their patients to use now or to stockpile for the future.
Should I buy gas masks for my family?
No. Most gas masks are not designed to provide protection against biologic
agents, and gas masks would only protect against chemical agents if worn
at the time of release. Since gas masks are only effective for several
hours without changing filter cartridges, it is impractical for persons to
wear these masks continuously. They need to be fitted correctly to work properly,
and improper use of gas masks can cause serious injury or even death in persons
with chronic heart or lung disease. Given the lack of any benefit and possible risks
associated with inappropriate use of gas masks, the LAC DHS strongly recommends against their use
