Anthrax as a Bioterrorism Threat, and How to Be Ready

Bioterrorism is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria or toxins to harm people, livestock or crops. Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax, is a likely agent. No one knows whether or when another anthrax attack might happen, but federal agencies and health departments across the country are preparing for one, and CDC and other federal agencies would work closely with state and local partners in a U.S. anthrax emergency.

Why anthrax

Anthrax can sicken and kill people and animals. It is a likely choice for an attack because:

• it occurs in nature, can be made in a laboratory, and lasts a long time in the environment;
• it can be released quietly, without anyone noticing;
• its tiny spores can be put into powders, sprays, food or water;
• the spores may be impossible to see, smell or taste;
• it has been used as a weapon before.

Several countries have run anthrax weapons programs for almost a century. In 2001, letters containing powdered anthrax spores were mailed in the United States, causing 22 infections — 12 of them among mail handlers — and 5 deaths.

B. anthracis is a Tier 1 biological select agent, one of the agents at highest risk of use in a terrorist attack, able to cause many deaths or damage the economy or critical infrastructure. Untreated, especially in its inhaled form, it can kill. CDC's Federal Select Agent Program regulates who may possess, use or transfer it.

How an attack could spread

An attack could come through the mail or through contaminated food or water. Spores released into the air could be carried by wind or on people's belongings, and even a small amount can infect many people. Breathing in released spores can make people sick very quickly, and an attack might go unnoticed until emergency rooms see many patients with anthrax symptoms and alert public health officials.

How to prepare

• Get a kit, make a plan, stay informed. CDC explains how to put together an emergency kit and a family disaster plan. These basic steps would matter in an anthrax emergency too.
• Keep a family medical history. You may be able to pick up antibiotics for your whole household, so know each person's medical conditions, allergies and current medicines, and each child's weight.
• Know the symptoms, particularly of the dangerous form called inhalation anthrax, and be ready to seek care if they appear.
• Know how to get medicine. Getting antibiotics fast saves lives. In an emergency, communities may receive antibiotics and supplies from the federal government at points of distribution (PODs) in familiar places such as schools or convention centers. Watch TV, radio and social media, the health department's website and messages from community leaders to find the nearest POD and what to bring. Expect lines. You will fill out a short medical history form so staff can choose the right antibiotic. Start taking it right away, follow the instructions, and finish every dose.

What CDC does

CDC works with other federal agencies and health departments to prepare. It:

• funds and guides health departments to strengthen their response to all kinds of public health emergencies;
• trains the public health workforce, health care providers and leaders in emergency response;
• coordinates response and resources through its Emergency Operations Center;
• regulates dangerous biological agents and toxins through the Select Agent Program;
• supports science and practices that strengthen preparedness;
• makes sure the country has enough laboratories able to test quickly for suspected anthrax;
• works with hospitals, laboratories, emergency teams and providers to ensure they have the medicines and supplies an attack would require;
• develops guidance to protect the workers who would respond.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Bioterrorism and Anthrax: The Threat." The page's stock photograph is not reproduced.