Biodefense and Bioterrorism

A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs to cause illness or death. These germs are often found in nature. But they can sometimes be made more harmful by increasing their ability to cause disease, spread, or resist medical treatment.

Biological agents spread through the air, water, or in food. Some can also spread from person to person. They can be very hard to detect. They don't cause illness for several hours or days. Scientists worry that anthrax, botulism, Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever viruses, plague, or smallpox could be used as biological agents.

Biodefense uses medical measures to protect people against bioterrorism. This includes medicines and vaccinations. It also includes medical research and preparations to defend against bioterrorist attacks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 4/22/2019.
This page provides information for Biodefense and Bioterrorism.
Anthrax
Botulism
Chemical Emergencies
Coping with Disasters
Disaster Preparation and Recovery
Ebola
Hemorrhagic Fevers
Immunization
Infectious Diseases
Plague
Smallpox

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