Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : Anthrax
Anthrax
Overview:
Several nations are believed to have offensive biological weapons programs. Iraq has acknowledged
producing and weaponizing anthrax.
Experts believe that the manufacture of a lethal anthrax aerosol is beyond the capacity of individuals or
groups without access to advanced biotechnology.
In 1979, an accidental aerosolized release of anthrax in the former Soviet Union resulted in at least 79
cases of anthrax infection and 68 deaths.
Estimates of cases and deaths following the theoretical aircraft release of anthrax over an urban
population predicts millions of deaths.
What is it?
Bacteria with spore-forming rods; likes to live in the soil.
How it works:
Humans become infected by coming into contact with spores, either by touch or inhalation. The spore then produces a toxin that can be fatal. The incubation period for inhalational anthrax is 1-6 days.
Lethal amount:
One billionth of a gram (the size of a speck of dust).
How long can it survive?
Tends to degrade rapidly in sunlight; if kept in the right environmental conditions, anthrax can survive for years.
Symptoms:
Flu-like symptoms, high fever, fatigue and cough. Shock and death can occur within 24-36 hours of the onset of severe symptoms.
Treatment:
Antibiotics, including penicillin.
Prevention:
Vaccine.
Sources: CDC & CNN [ http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1998/iraq/9802/weapons.effects/ ]
Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : Anthrax
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