Download Running head: BIOTERRORISM

Running head: BIOTERRORISM
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Bioterrorism
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BIOTERRORISM
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Bioterrorism
Apart from using armory, terrorists use pathogenic biological agents to citizens who may
be unsuspecting. The pathogens that are derived from microorganisms are released into the air or
used to contaminate food and drinks thus affecting many human beings, animals, and plants
(Grey & Spaeth, 2006). However, terrorists mostly target pathogens that affect human beings.
The Center for Disease Control has categorized the bioterrorism agents as either lethal, medium
or low effect to people. One of the organisms that are used by bioterrorist is Yersinia pestis. The
bacteria that is commonly found in rodents and their fleas causes a deadly disease known as
Pneumonic Plague to human beings (CDC, 2016). Terrorism uses this bacterium because its
agent is easy to spread and causes significant damages to the lungs causing the death of the
individuals who contract it. The transmission of pneumonic plague occurs in case one breathes
the bacteria that could be released in aerosol by terrorists. It could also be transmitted through
inhaling the bacteria from a victim who coughs or sneezes because it is usually suspended in the
respiratory tract (CDC, 2016).
Patients with this condition develop fever and weakness. Also, they develop pneumonic
conditions that lead to shortness of breathing. It also causes coughing and in some cases, there are
blood or watery sputum. Nausea and abdominal pain follow it. Unless the patient is treated
quickly, it may result in sudden death. According to the World Health Organization, thousands of
cases of pneumonia plague are reported every year, but the cases are not as prevalent as they used
to be in the past centuries (CDC, 2016). Antibiotics are administered after the symptoms have
been discovered so as to avoid mass deaths. Treating the disease can be done through
administering oral drugs such as doxycycline. Also, the patient can receive an injection of drugs
such as gentamicin. The bacteria that is spread through pneumonia plague has a dire effect on the
community because if not prevented in time it may lead to numerous deaths. The community
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health nurse has the responsibility of educating the people on how to prevent contracting the
disease. Also, the nurse should be able to give prevention measures to any reported cases of
pneumonic plague (Zubay, 2005).
Terrorists can use botulism as an agent to spread the bacteria called Clostridium
botulinum. The terrorists use the bacteria to contaminate food and drinks (Zubay, 2005). Thus it
causes the condition that is called botulism which results to illnesses moments after the food is
ingested. The condition is not transmitted from one person to another. It is not common as only
an average of 120 cases are reported in the United States each year (CDC, 2016). However, it is a
threat to the citizens as the food contaminated could be used by many people. The symptoms
include dry mouth, muscle weaknesses, slurred speech, double vision and drooping eyelids. The
condition can be treated using antitoxins that help in stopping the circulation of toxins in the body
(CDC, 2016). Since the trends of the condition indicate its occurrence is rare, the condition does
not have a significant impact on healthcare. However, the community health nurse should be alert
for the symptoms that relate to botulism so as to detect any form of attack.
Anthrax is the other agent that bioterrorists may use to attack citizens. The terrorists use
Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that naturally occur in air or can be made in a laboratory. The
bacteria affect human beings, animals, and plants (CDC, 2016). It is a dangerous tool for
bioterrorism as human beings are affected by the bacteria even when they take animal products
that are infected. Also, the bacteria could be put in powder form and mailed to unsuspecting
people as it happened in 2001 (Grey & Spaeth, 2006). When inhaled the virus causes fatigue, sore
throat, shortness and mild fever. Medical personnel argues that if terrorists were to use an
organism to kill many people, Bacillus anthracis could be the most likely as the bacteria can be
released into the air killing many people. It is also the most commonly used mechanism by
terrorists (Grey & Spaeth, 2006). Anthrax is treated through the administering of intravenous
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antibiotics. Also, use of antitoxins can be used to treat anthrax. The condition has a great impact
on health care. If released in the atmosphere the bacteria have a lot of casualties. The community
health nurse should be on the lookout for the symptoms of anthrax to patients. Essentially if a
patient who contracts is not treated as soon as possible, they die. Also, the community health
nurse should make sure that the antibiotics and antitoxins that treat the condition are always
available as nobody knows when the bioterrorists may strike with Bacillus anthracis bacteria.
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References
CDC,. (2016). Basic Information| Anthrax | CDC. Cdc.gov. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from
http://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/basics/index.html
CDC,. (2016). CDC | Facts About Botulism. Emergency.cdc.gov. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/botulism/factsheet.asp
CDC,. (2016). CDC Plague | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Plague.
Emergency.cdc.gov. Retrieved 11 July 2016, from http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/plague/faq.asp
Grey, M. & Spaeth, K. (2006). The bioterrorism sourcebook. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical
Pub. Division.
Zubay, G. (2005). Agents of bioterrorism. New York: Columbia University Press.