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.
Article Limit Reached
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content