Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

Bioterrorism is terrorism involving the intentional release or dissemination of biological

agents (bacteria, viruses, or toxins), that may be in a naturally-occurring or in a human-
modified form.

Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological agents
(bacteria, viruses, or other germs). Terrorism is the 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." In addition to biological agents, terrorists can also utilize chemical agents and
nuclear bombs. While a biological agent may injure or kill people, animals, or plants, the goal for
the terrorist is to further their social and political goals. Many biological agents are found in
nature; however, they can be modified by the terrorist to make them more dangerous. Some of
these agents can be transmitted from person to person, and the infection may take hours or days
to become apparent.

What are the biological agents that can be utilized for bioterrorism?

While any germ, bacteria, or virus could potentially be utilized by terrorist, there are a number of
biological agents that have been recognized as being more likely to be utilized. The reason for
these agents being of concern is based on their availability to terrorists and the ease by which
these agents can be disseminated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
has developed a classification system for biological terror agents which is available on their Web
site (Categories). The classification is based on the likelihood of the agent being used and the
risk posed by each agent. The agents (and the diseases they cause) are listed in Table 1, including
hyperlinks for those wishing to learn more about a specific agent or disease. However, it is
almost impossible for most people to memorize all the details about each of these agents. It is
more important for the general public to understand the risk of bioterrorism and the appropriate
response to a terrorist attack.
 Table 1: BIOTERRORISM AGENTS AND THE DISEASES THEY CAUSE

Biologic Agent Disease caused by the agent

Bacillus anthracis Anthrax

Clostridium botulinum toxin Botulism

Yersinia pestis Plague

Variola major Smallpox

Francisella tularensis Tularemia

(filoviruses [for example, Ebola,

Marburg] and arenaviruses [for example, Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Lassa, Machupo])

Brucella species Brucellosis

Epsilon toxin of Clostridium

Food Poisoning
perfringens

Salmonella species, Escherichia coli

Food Poisoning
O157:H7, Shigella

Burkholderia mallei Glanders

Burkholderia pseudomallei Melioidosis

Chlamydia psittaci Psittacosis

Coxiella burnetii Q fever

Ricinus communis (castor beans) Ricin toxin poisoning

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B Food Poisoning

Rickettsia prowazekii Epidemic Typhus

Vibrio cholerae Cholera

 Cryptosporidium parvum Cryptosporidiosis

Alphaviruses (for example, Venezuelan

equine encephalitis, eastern equine
encephalitis, western equine encephalitis)
Viral encephalitis
and flaviviruses (for example, West Nile
encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis,
Dengue)

Influenza virus Influenza

Mycobacterium tuberculosis MDR TB and XDR TB

http://www.medicinenet.com/bioterrorism/page3.htm

Category A

Definition

The U.S. public health system and primary healthcare providers must be prepared to address
various biological agents, including pathogens that are rarely seen in the United States. High-
priority agents include organisms that pose a risk to national security because they

 can be easily disseminated or transmitted from person to person;

 result in high mortality rates and have the potential for major public health impact;

 might cause public panic and social disruption; and

 require special action for public health preparedness.

Agents/Diseases

 Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)

 Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin)

 Plague (Yersinia pestis)

  Smallpox (variola major)

 Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)

 Viral hemorrhagic fevers (filoviruses [e.g., Ebola, Marburg] and arenaviruses [e.g.,
Lassa, Machupo])

Category B

Definition

Second highest priority agents include those that

 are moderately easy to disseminate;

 result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates; and

 require specific enhancements of CDC's diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease

surveillance.

 A

Category C

Definition

Third highest priority agents include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass
dissemination in the future because of

 availability;

 ease of production and dissemination; and

 potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact.

Agents

 Emerging infectious diseases such as Nipah virus and hantavirus

Anthrax: What You Need To Know

What Is Anthrax?

Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. A
bacterium is a very small organism made up of one cell. Many bacteria can cause disease. A
spore is a cell that is dormant (asleep) but may come to life with the right conditions.

There are three types of anthrax:

 skin (cutaneous)

 lungs (inhalation)

 digestive (gastrointestinal)

How Do You Get It?

Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another.

Anthrax from animals. Humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from
infected animals or by breathing in anthrax spores from infected animal products (like wool, for
example). People also can become infected with gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked
meat from infected animals.

Anthrax as a weapon. Anthrax also can be used as a weapon. This happened in the United
States in 2001. Anthrax was deliberately spread through the postal system by sending letters with
powder containing anthrax. This caused 22 cases of anthrax infection.

How Dangerous Is Anthrax?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies agents with recognized bioterrorism
potential into three priority areas (A, B and C). Anthrax is classified as a Category A agent.
Category A agents are those that:
  pose the greatest possible threat for a bad effect on public health

 may spread across a large area or need public awareness

 need a great deal of planning to protect the public’s health

In most cases, early treatment with antibiotics can cure cutaneous anthrax. Even if untreated, 80
percent of people who become infected with cutaneous anthrax do not die. Gastrointestinal
anthrax is more serious because between one-fourth and more than half of cases lead to death.
Inhalation anthrax is much more severe. In 2001, about half of the cases of inhalation anthrax
ended in death.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms (warning signs) of anthrax are different depending on the type of the disease:

 Cutaneous: The first symptom is a small sore that develops into a blister. The blister then
develops into a skin ulcer with a black area in the center. The sore, blister and ulcer do not
hurt.

 Gastrointestinal: The first symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and
fever, followed by bad stomach pain.

 Inhalation: The first symptoms of inhalation anthrax are like cold or flu symptoms and
can include a sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches. Later symptoms include cough,
chest discomfort, shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle aches. (Caution: Do not
assume that just because a person has cold or flu symptoms that they have inhalation
anthrax.)

How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?

Symptoms can appear within 7 days of coming in contact with the bacterium for all three types
of anthrax. For inhalation anthrax, symptoms can appear within a week or can take up to 42 days
to appear.

How Is Anthrax Treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat all three types of anthrax. Early identification and treatment are
important.

Prevention after exposure. Treatment is different for a person who is exposed to anthrax, but is
not yet sick. Health-care providers will use antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin,
doxycycline, or penicillin) combined with the anthrax vaccine to prevent anthrax infection.

Treatment after infection. Treatment is usually a 60-day course of antibiotics. Success depends
on the type of anthrax and how soon treatment begins.

Can Anthrax Be Prevented?

Vaccination. There is a vaccine to prevent anthrax, but it is not yet available for the general
public. Anyone who may be exposed to anthrax, including certain members of the U.S. armed
forces, laboratory workers, and workers who may enter or re-enter contaminated areas, may get
the vaccine. Also, in the event of an attack using anthrax as a weapon, people exposed would get
the vaccine.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have Anthrax?

If you are showing symptoms of anthrax infection, call your health-care provider right away.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have Been Exposed to Anthrax?

Contact local law enforcement immediately if you think that you may have been exposed to
anthrax. This includes being exposed to a suspicious package or envelope that contains powder.

What Is CDC Doing To Prepare For a Possible Anthrax Attack?

CDC is working with state and local health authorities to prepare for an anthrax attack. Activities
include:

 Developing plans and procedures to respond to an attack using anthrax.

  Training and equipping emergency response teams to help state and local governments
control infection, gather samples, and perform tests. Educating health-care providers,
media, and the general public about what to do in the event of an attack.

 Working closely with health departments, veterinarians, and laboratories to watch for
suspected cases of anthrax. Developing a national electronic database to track potential
cases of anthrax.

 Ensuring that there are enough safe laboratories for quickly testing of suspected anthrax
cases.

 Working with hospitals, laboratories, emergency response teams, and health-care

providers to make sure they have the supplies they need in case of an attack.

Facts about Botulism

Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by a bacterium called

Clostridium botulinum.

There are three main kinds of botulism:

 Foodborne botulism occurs when a person ingests pre-formed toxin that leads to illness
within a few hours to days. Foodborne botulism is a public health emergency because the
contaminated food may still be available to other persons besides the patient.

 Infant botulism occurs in a small number of susceptible infants each year who harbor C.
botulinum in their intestinal tract.

 Wound botulism occurs when wounds are infected with C. botulinum that secretes the
toxin.

With foodborne botulism, symptoms begin within 6 hours to 10 days (most commonly between
12 and 36 hours) after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms of botulism include double
vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and
muscle weakness that moves down the body, usually affecting the shoulders first, then the upper
arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Paralysis of breathing muscles can cause a person to stop
breathing and die, unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.

Botulism is not spread from one person to another. Foodborne botulism can occur in all age
groups.

A supply of antitoxin against infant botulism is maintained by the California Department of

Public Health’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, and a supply of antitoxin
against other kinds of botulism is maintained by CDC. The antitoxin is most effective in
reducing the severity of symptoms if administered early in the course of the disease. Most
patients eventually recover after weeks to months of supportive care

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17967862

What is plague?
Plague is a disease caused by Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), a bacterium found in rodents and their
fleas in many areas around the world.

Why are we concerned about pneumonic plague as a bioweapon?

Yersinia pestis used in an aerosol attack could cause cases of the pneumonic form of plague. One
to six days after becoming infected with the bacteria, people would develop pneumonic plague.
Once people have the disease, the bacteria can spread to others who have close contact with
them. Because of the delay between being exposed to the bacteria and becoming sick, people
could travel over a large area before becoming contagious and possibly infecting others.
Controlling the disease would then be more difficult. A bioweapon carrying Y. pestis is possible
because the bacterium occurs in nature and could be isolated and grown in quantity in a
laboratory. Even so, manufacturing an effective weapon using Y. pestis would require advanced
knowledge and technology.

Is pneumonic plague different from bubonic plague?

Yes. Both are caused by Yersinia pestis, but they are transmitted differently and their symptoms
differ. Pneumonic plague can be transmitted from person to person; bubonic plague cannot.
Pneumonic plague affects the lungs and is transmitted when a person breathes in Y. pestis
particles in the air. Bubonic plague is transmitted through the bite of an infected flea or exposure
to infected material through a break in the skin. Symptoms include swollen, tender lymph glands
called buboes. Buboes are not present in pneumonic plague. If bubonic plague is not treated,
however, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and infect the lungs, causing a
secondary case of pneumonic plague.

What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonic plague?

Patients usually have fever, weakness, and rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of
breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery sputum. Nausea, vomiting, and
abdominal pain may also occur. Without early treatment, pneumonic plague usually leads to
respiratory failure, shock, and rapid death.

How do people become infected with pneumonic plague?

Pneumonic plague occurs when Yersinia pestis infects the lungs. Transmission can take place if
someone breathes in Y. pestis particles, which could happen in an aerosol release during a
bioterrorism attack. Pneumonic plague is also transmitted by breathing in Y. pestis suspended in
respiratory droplets from a person (or animal) with pneumonic plague. Respiratory droplets are
spread most readily by coughing or sneezing. Becoming infected in this way usually requires
direct and close (within 6 feet) contact with the ill person or animal. Pneumonic plague may also
occur if a person with bubonic or septicemic plague is untreated and the bacteria spread to the
lungs.

Does plague occur naturally?

Yes. The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague worldwide every
year. An average of 5 to 15 cases occur each year in the western United States. These cases are
usually scattered and occur in rural to semi-rural areas. Most cases are of the bubonic form of the
disease. Naturally occurring pneumonic plague is uncommon, although small outbreaks do
occur. Both types of plague are readily controlled by standard public health response measures.

Can a person exposed to pneumonic plague avoid becoming sick?

Yes. People who have had close contact with an infected person can greatly reduce the chance of
becoming sick if they begin treatment within 7 days of their exposure. Treatment consists of
taking antibiotics for at least 7 days.

How quickly would someone get sick if exposed to plague bacteria through the air?
Someone exposed to Yersinia pestis through the air—either from an intentional aerosol release or
from close and direct exposure to someone with plague pneumonia—would become ill within 1
to 6 days.

Can pneumonic plague be treated?

Yes. To prevent a high risk of death, antibiotics should be given within 24 hours of the first
symptoms. Several types of antibiotics are effective for curing the disease and for preventing it.
Available oral medications are a tetracycline (such as doxycycline) or a fluoroquinolone (such as
ciprofloxacin). For injection or intravenous use, streptomycin or gentamicin antibiotics are used.
Early in the response to a bioterrorism attack, these drugs would be tested to determine which is
most effective against the particular weapon that was used.

Would enough medication be available in the event of a bioterrorism attack involving

pneumonic plague?
National and state public health officials have large supplies of drugs needed in the event of a
bioterrorism attack. These supplies can be sent anywhere in the United States within 12 hours.

What should someone do if they suspect they or others have been exposed to plague?
Get immediate medical attention: To prevent illness, a person who has been exposed to
pneumonic plague must receive antibiotic treatment without delay. If an exposed person
becomes ill, antibiotics must be administered within 24 hours of their first symptoms to reduce
the risk of death. Notify authorities: Immediately notify local or state health departments so they
can begin to investigate and control the problem right away. If bioterrorism is suspected, the
health departments will notify the CDC, FBI, and other appropriate authorities.

How can the general public reduce the risk of getting pneumonic plague from another
person or giving it to someone else?
If possible, avoid close contact with other people. People having direct and close contact with
someone with pneumonic plague should wear tightly fitting disposable surgical masks. If
surgical masks are not available, even makeshift face coverings made of layers of cloth may be
helpful in an emergency. People who have been exposed to a contagious person can be protected
from developing plague by receiving prompt antibiotic treatment.

How is plague diagnosed?

The first step is evaluation by a health worker. If the health worker suspects pneumonic plague,
samples of the patient’s blood, sputum, or lymph node aspirate are sent to a laboratory for
testing. Once the laboratory receives the sample, preliminary results can be ready in less than
two hours. Confirmation will take longer, usually 24 to 48 hours.

How long can plague bacteria exist in the environment?

Yersinia pestis is easily destroyed by sunlight and drying. Even so, when released into air, the
bacterium will survive for up to one hour, depending on conditions.

Is a vaccine available to prevent pneumonic plague?

Currently, no plague vaccine is available in the United States. Research is in progress, but we are
not likely to have vaccines for several years or more.

Smallpox Basics

 Smallpox Disease Overview

Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no
specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination...

 Questions and Answers About Smallpox DiseaseNEW! March 13, 2009

What should I know about smallpox? Is smallpox fatal? Is there any treatment for
smallpox? CDC answers common questions such as these...

 What You Should Know About a Smallpox Outbreak

Public health officials are preparing to respond quickly and effectively to smallpox
outbreaks. The public can prepare too, by being informed about the possible use of
smallpox as a biological weapon and what to do if that happens...
  What CDC Is Doing to Protect the Public from Smallpox
CDC is working with others to protect the American public in case smallpox is used as a
bioterrorism weapon. These efforts include preparing health workers and developing
plans for responding to outbreaks...

 What We Learn About Smallpox from Movies - Fact or Fiction

Addresses misconceptions derived from fictional programs about smallpox...

Key Facts About Tularemia

This fact sheet provides important information that can help you recognize and get treated for
tularemia. For more detailed information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) Tularemia Web site.

What is Tularemia?

Tularemia is a potentially serious illness that occurs naturally in the United States. It is caused by
the bacterium Francisella tularensis found in animals (especially rodents, rabbits, and hares).

What are the Symptoms of Tularemia?

Symptoms of tularemia could include:

 sudden fever

 chills

 headaches

 diarrhea

 muscle aches

 joint pain

 dry cough
  progressive weakness

People can also catch pneumonia and develop chest pain, bloody sputum and can have trouble
breathing and even sometimes stop breathing.

Other symptoms of tularemia depend on how a person was exposed to the tularemia bacteria.
These symptoms can include ulcers on the skin or mouth, swollen and painful lymph glands,
swollen and painful eyes, and a sore throat.

How Does Tularemia Spread?

People can get tularemia many different ways:

 being bitten by an infected tick, deerfly or other insect

 handling infected animal carcasses

 eating or drinking contaminated food or water

 breathing in the bacteria, F. tularensis

Tularemia is not known to be spread from person to person. People who have tularemia do not
need to be isolated. People who have been exposed to the tularemia bacteria should be treated as
soon as possible. The disease can be fatal if it is not treated with the right antibiotics.

How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria, but can take as long as 14
days.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have Tularemia?

Consult your doctor at the first sign of illness. Be sure to let the doctor know if you are pregnant
or have a weakened immune system.

How Is Tularemia Treated?

Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics, which must be taken according to the
directions supplied with your prescription to ensure the best possible result. Let your doctor
know if you have any allergy to antibiotics.

A vaccine for tularemia is under review by the Food and Drug Administration and is not
currently available in the United States.

What Can I Do To Prevent Becoming Infected with Tularemia?

Tularemia occurs naturally in many parts of the United States. Use insect repellent containing
DEET on your skin, or treat clothing with repellent containing permethrin, to prevent insect
bites. Wash your hands often, using soap and warm water, especially after handling animal
carcasses. Be sure to cook your food thoroughly and that your water is from a safe source.

Note any change in the behavior of your pets (especially rodents, rabbits, and hares) or livestock,
and consult a veterinarian if they develop unusual symptoms.

Can Tularemia Be Used As a Weapon?

Francisella tularensis is very infectious. A small number (10-50 or so organisms) can cause
disease. If F. tularensis were used as a weapon, the bacteria would likely be made airborne for
exposure by inhalation. People who inhale an infectious aerosol would generally experience
severe respiratory illness, including life-threatening pneumonia and systemic infection, if they
are not treated. The bacteria that cause tularemia occur widely in nature and could be isolated
and grown in quantity in a laboratory, although manufacturing an effective aerosol weapon
would require considerable sophistication.

What is CDC Doing About Tularemia?

The CDC operates a national program for bioterrorism preparedness and response that
incorporates a broad range of public health partnerships. Other things CDC is doing include:

 Stockpiling antibiotics to treat infected people

 Coordinating a nation-wide program where states share information about tularemia

  Creating new education tools and programs for health professionals, the public, and the
media.

AGENTS FOR CATEGORY B:-

What is brucellosis?

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. These bacteria
are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in many different vertebrates.
Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other
animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are
contaminated with these bacteria. In humans brucellosis can cause a range of symptoms that are
similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness.
Severe infections of the central nervous systems or lining of the heart may occur. Brucellosis can
also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue.

Back to Top

How common is brucellosis?

Brucellosis is not very common in the United States, where100 to 200 cases occur each year. But
brucellosis can be very common in countries where animal disease control programs have not
reduced the amount of disease among animals.

Where is brucellosis usually found?

Although brucellosis can be found worldwide, it is more common in countries that do not have
good standardized and effective public health and domestic animal health programs. Areas
currently listed as high risk are the Mediterranean Basin (Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy,
Greece, Turkey, North Africa), South and Central America, Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the
Caribbean, and the Middle East. Unpasteurized cheeses, sometimes called "village cheeses,"
from these areas may represent a particular risk for tourists.

Back to Top
How is brucellosis transmitted to humans, and who is likely to become infected?

Humans are generally infected in one of three ways: eating or drinking something that is
contaminated with Brucella, breathing in the organism (inhalation), or having the bacteria enter
the body through skin wounds. The most common way to be infected is by eating or drinking
contaminated milk products. When sheep, goats, cows, or camels are infected, their milk is
contaminated with the bacteria. If the milk is not pasteurized, these bacteria can be transmitted to
persons who drink the milk or eat cheeses made it. Inhalation of Brucella organisms is not a
common route of infection, but it can be a significant hazard for people in certain occupations,
such as those working in laboratories where the organism is cultured. Inhalation is often
responsible for a significant percentage of cases in abattoir employees. Contamination of skin
wounds may be a problem for persons working in slaughterhouses or meat packing plants or for
veterinarians. Hunters may be infected through skin wounds or by accidentally ingesting the
bacteria after cleaning deer, elk, moose, or wild pigs that they have killed.

Back to Top

Can brucellosis be spread from person to person?

Direct person-to-person spread of brucellosis is extremely rare. Mothers who are breast-feeding
may transmit the infection to their infants. Sexual transmission has also been reported. For both
sexual and breast-feeding transmission, if the infant or person at risk is treated for brucellosis,
their risk of becoming infected will probably be eliminated within 3 days. Although uncommon,
transmission may also occur via contaminated tissue transplantation.

Is there a way to prevent infection?

Yes. Do not consume unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream while traveling. If you are not
sure that the dairy product is pasteurized, don't eat it. Hunters and animal herdsman should use
rubber gloves when handling viscera of animals. There is no vaccine available for humans.
C. perfringens is a source of a particularly unpleasant form of food poisoning and diagnosis and
treatment are fairly well known. It is also a causative agent of gangrene and of a disease of the
digestive tract called 'enteritis necroticans' or 'pig-bel.'

The protein can be dispersed by aerosol but it is thought more likely that it would be dispersed
by saboteurs. The poisoning usually clears within 1-2 days in healthy adults and may take 1-2
weeks in the elderly. Deaths from poisoning rather than infection are rare.

The protein forms a complex, apparently of five molecules of the protein, that forms a pore in the
in the cells of the intestine and allow potassium ions and fluids to leak out.

Surveillance of all bioterrorism:-

MMWR(morbidity & mortality weekly report):- October 19, 2001 / Vol. 50 / No. 41
U.S.
889 Update: Investigation of Anthrax
Associated with Intentional Exposure
and Interim Public Health Guidelines,
October 2001
893 Recognition of Illness Associated with
the Intentional Release of a Biologic
Agent
897 Weekly Update: West Nile Virus
Activity — United States,

1.) October 10–16, 2001 Recognition of illness associated with intentional release of
biological agent.2001 Oct19

Provides guidelinesfor healthcare providers and public healthcare personnelabout

recognisin illnesses or patterns of illnessthat might be associated with intentional
release of biological agents.

2.)Syndrome definitions for diseases associated with critical bioterrorism

associated agents:- ICD-9-CM(International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM).). codes that can be used in syndromic
surveillance programs.

3.) EID Journal: endemic notifiable bioterrorism related diseases

 Early abberation and reporting systems:- Free syndromic surveillance tool for city,
county, & state public health officials in the U.S.

4.) National electronic disease surveillance system(NEDSS):- project

description,draft standards and documentations from HISSB (Health Information
and Surveillance systems board)

3M 6291 & 6391 HEPA Masks / Respirators

King respirators,navi Mumbai

Respirator mask manufacturers, pune, nagpur

http://medgadget.com/archives/2008/03/panther_bioelectronic_sensor_quickly_de
tects_pathogens.html

CANARY:-cellular analysis and notification of antigen risks and yields

PANTHER:-pathogen notification for threatening environmental releases

Emergency preparedness and response

Gather Emergency Supplies

If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for
some time. By taking time now to prepare emergency water supplies, food supplies and disaster
supplies kit, you can provide for your entire family.

Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supplies for two weeks,
consider maintaining a supply that will last that long.

You may not need to go out and buy foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use
the canned goods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves.
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active
person needs to drink at least 2 quarts (a half gallon) of water each day. You will also need
water for food preparation and hygiene. Store at least an additional half-gallon per person, per
day for this.

Store at least a 3-day supply and consider storing a two-week supply of water for each member
of your family. If you are unable to store this much, store as much as you can. You can reduce
the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

1.) Get a kit:- You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means
having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at
least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in
hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas,
water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week
or longer.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

 Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
 Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
 Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra
batteries for both
 Flashlight and extra batteries
 First aid kit
 Whistle to signal for help
 Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
 Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
 Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
 Local maps
 Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

2.) Family Emergency Plan

 Identify an out-of town contact.  It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call
across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among
separated family members.
 Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a
prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that
person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency
personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make
sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
  Teach family members how to use text messaging (also knows as SMS or Short Message
Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not
be able to get through.
 Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text
alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign
up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management web site.

Planning to Stay or Go

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you
stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense
and available information, including what you are learning here, to determine if there is an immediate danger. In
any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is
happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet
often for information or official instruction as it becomes available. For information on staying put or sheltering
in place, click here.

Emergency Information

Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you
will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is
to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call,
or emergency workers may go door-to-door.

If There is a Biological Threat

Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious. While it
is possible that you will see signs of a biological attack, as was sometimes the case with
the anthrax mailings, it is perhaps more likely that local health care workers will report a
pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency
medical attention. You will probably learn of the danger through an emergency radio or
TV broadcast, or some other signal used in your community. You might get a telephone
call or emergency response workers may come to your door.

In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to provide information on
what you should do. It will take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated, and who
is in danger. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news including
the following:
  Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?
 What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
 Are medications or vaccines being distributed?
 Where? Who should get them?
 Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?

During a declared biological emergency:

1. If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.

2. Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is
the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
3. Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek
medical advice.
4. Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.
5. If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk,
immediately seek emergency medical attention.

If you are potentially exposed:

1. Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.

2. If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment. You may be
advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.
3. For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.

If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:

1. Quickly get away.

2. Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still
allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or
towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or paper towels may help.
3. Wash with soap and water.
4. Contact authorities.
5. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news and information including
what the signs and symptoms of the disease are, if medications or vaccinations are being
distributed and where you should seek medical attention if you become sick.
6. If you become sick seek emergency medical attention

. Antibiotics

While antibiotics are often an appropriate treatment for the diseases associated with biological weapons, the
specific drug must match the illness to be effective. One antibiotic, for example, may be appropriate for treating
anthrax exposure, but is inappropriate for treating smallpox. All antibiotics can cause side effects including
serious reactions. Plan to speak with your health care provider in advance about what makes sense for
your family.
New Delhi (UPI) Nov 1, 2007
India has set up a group of experts to formulate a plan to counter the threat of biological
terrorism.

"Intelligence on terror strikes will remain with the concerned central security agencies,
while a recently formed expert group could formulate a plan to deal with exigencies in
case of biological or chemical warfare," Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.

Indian intelligence agencies have warned the Interior Ministry of possible biological
attacks in the country. Intelligence and security agencies say they have intercepted
communications indicating militants might use weapons of mass destruction.

Singh on Monday called a top-level meeting of the National Disaster Management

Authority, established to deal with such exigencies.

"The prime minister reviewed the preparedness to deal with different types of terrorist
attacks," a statement from Singh's office said. It was the first meeting of the authority
since the United Progressive Alliance government came to power in May 2004. Singh
presided over the meeting.

According to the Interior Ministry, intelligence agencies warned about new types of
crimes like bioterrorism and hacking. It said the ministry was gearing up to meet the
new threats. The expert group would work under the prime minister and the chiefs of all
top intelligence and security services and members of NDMA will be included in the
group as members. The interior secretary might head the elite committee, an Interior
Ministry official said.

In view of the increasing threat, India decided to develop NDMA as a high-level

policymaking body aimed at providing focused attention to disaster management, bring
to bear best possible expertise and to generally professionalize the entire gamut of
disaster-management activities.

"The disaster management should be holistic rather than relief-centric, and citizens'
awareness was needed in dealing with calamities," Singh told the meeting.

He suggested setting up a high-level policymaking body capable of providing advice

and assistance to states during times of disaster.
Indian security experts and analysts rule out the possibility of terrorists using weapons
of mass destruction. However, there are reports from militancy-hit Jammu & Kashmir
state where a militant group used cyanide-based injections. Separatist and terrorist
groups in the state, claimed by both India and Pakistan, have been waging a war
against Indian rule demanding independence.

"It is likely that in Jammu and Kashmir a group of foreign terrorists could use such
weapons with increase in their desperation levels," said Atul Lele, an expert in
intelligence and security-related issues at the Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis,
a quasi-governmental think tank. "For India, there also exists a danger from agro-
terrorism, which could ruin the economy of the country by deliberately exposing
livestock to disease-causing infectious agents or dangerous chemicals."

He said the result of such an attack might include animal deaths, economic damage and
danger to public health from an unsafe food supply. India is also contemplating making
a provision in the forthcoming federal budget for a large investment in public-health
surveillance, timely contributions from biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical industry,
transnational collaborations and training.

India, which has made progress in biotechnology, information technology, sensor

technology and nanotechnology, could make effective use of them to strengthen
biological defense techniques. The government is also considering conveying to the
administrations of all top hospitals in the country with extensive research and
development facilities to put in place emergency plans in case of an attack.

India is more worried about the use of weapons of mass destruction as there have been
reports of the presence of al-Qaida operatives in Kashmir and along the eastern border
with Bangladesh.

Indian intelligence agencies do not rule out the possibility of militants sneaking into the
country through the porous Indo-Bangladesh border, as the fencing on this border has
not been completed. The army and security forces are now less worried about the
border with Pakistan that has now been sealed resulting in a sharp decline of infiltration.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL32521.pdf

http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/biologicalwarfare.html

The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) laboratory at Gwalior,

Madhya Pradesh and National Institute of communicable diseases, New Delhi are the
primary establishment for studies in toxicology and biochemical pharmacology. They are
aggressively pursuing research on developing antibodies against several bacterial and viral
agents. Work is in progress to prepare responses to threats like Anthrax, Brucellosis,
cholera and plague, viral threats like smallpox and viral haemorrhage fever and bio-toxic
threats like botulism. Researchers have developed chemical/biological protective gear,
including masks, suits, detectors and suitable drugs. Chemical agents such as Sarin and
nerve gas are also produced in small quantities to test on these protective equipment.
Additionally, the Indian government has established nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC)
warfare directorates in the armed services, as well as an inter-services coordination
committee to monitor the all programmes. India has developed five types of protective
systems and equipment for its troops as a safeguard against NBC hazards. The development
of these protective systems and equipment has been completed and their induction into the
service has been formally approved. The Defence Materials and Stores Research and
Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully designed and
manufactured protective clothing and equipment to counter biological attacks.

http://www.indiandefencereview.com/2010/05/agro-terrorism.html

July is Bioterrorism Awareness Month

Posted on July 1, 2009 by tjsllibrary

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 destroyed the World Trade Center in New
York, damaged the Pentagon and killed about 3,000 people, Bioterrorism Awareness Month has been
educating the public about the potential of a bioterror attack and what the average person can do to recognize
an attack and reasonably prepare for a bioterror attack or other disaster.

Here are suggestions for simple things that you can do to increase your awareness and preparation in the
event of a bioterror attack or other disaster.

http://tjsllibrary.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/july-is-bioterrorism-awareness-
month/

Researchers at MIT Lincoln Laboratory have developed a powerful sensor that can detect airborne pathogens
such as anthrax and smallpox in less than three minutes.
 PANTHER sensor. Note that the ruler at the bottom right in the

photo is 12" long.

The new device, called PANTHER (for PAthogen Notification for THreatening Environmental Releases),
represents a “significant advance” over any other sensor, said James Harper of Lincoln Laboratory’s
Biosensor and Molecular Technologies Group. Current sensors take at least 20 minutes to detect harmful
bacteria or viruses in the air, but the PANTHER sensors can do detection and identification in less than 3
minutes.

The technology has been licensed to Innovative Biosensors, Inc., (IBI) of Rockville, Maryland. In
January, IBI began selling a product, BioFlash, that uses the PANTHER technology.

“There is a real need to detect a pathogen in less than three minutes, so you have time to take action
before it is too late,” said Harper, the lead scientist developing the sensor.

The PANTHER sensor uses a cell-based sensor technology known as CANARY (after the birds sent into
mines to detect dangerous gases), and can pick up a positive reading with only a few dozen particles per
liter of air. The device could be used in buildings, subways, and other public areas and can currently
detect 24 pathogens, including anthrax, plague, smallpox, tularemia and E. coli. 

“There’s really nothing out there that compares with this,” said Todd Rider of the Laboraatory’s
Biosensor and Molecular Technologies Group, who invented the CANARY sensor technology.

Rider started developing CANARY in 1997 when he realized that there were no sensors available that
could rapidly detect pathogens. His idea was to take advantage of nature’s own defense system—specifically
the B cells that target pathogens in the human body. “B cells in the body are very fast and very sensitive,” Rider
said.
The CANARY concept uses an array of B cells, each specific to a particular bacterium or virus. The cells are
engineered to emit photons of light when they detect their target pathogen. The device then displays a list of
any pathogens found.

CANARY is the only sensor that makes use of immune cells. Other available sensors are based on
immunoassays or PCR (polymerase chain reaction), both of which take much longer and/or are not as sensitive
as CANARY.

Rider and colleagues first reported the success of CANARY (which stands for Cellular Analysis and Notification
of Antigen Risks and Yields) in the journal Science in 2003. Since then, they have been working to incorporate
the technology into a portable device that could be used in a variety of settings where environmental threats
might exist.

The new device, PANTHER, takes the CANARY technology and combines it with an air sampler that brings
pathogens into contact with the detector cells. The prototype sensor is about a cubic foot and weighs 37
pounds and is well suited to building-protection applications. With minor modifications it could also enhance
biological detection capabilities for emergency responders.

CANARY has been tested in rural and coastal environments as well as urban ones. It could eventually be used
on farms or in food-processing plants to test for contamination by E. coli, salmonella, or other food-borne
pathogens. Another potential application is in medical diagnostics, where the technology could be used to test
patient samples, giving rapid results without having to send samples to a laboratory.

“Instead of going to the doctor’s office and waiting a few days for your test results, with CANARY you could get
the results in just a minute or so,” said Rider.

The research on PANTHER was funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Posted April 2008

Bacteria or whole cell PCR (DNA base Sensor) iii) Immunosensors ii) i) Enzyme sensor. This
article gives an overview of sensor and iv) electrochemical biosensor for detection of
biological warfare agents. Electrochemical biosensors have the advantages of sensitivity,
selectivity, to operate in turbid media, and amenable to miniaturization. Recent developments
in immunofiltration, flow injection, and flow-through electrochemical biosensors for bacteria,
viruses, and toxin detection are reviewed. The current research and development in
biosensors for biological warfa

http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/proteintoxins.html