Biological Threats

Biological Threats | Get a Biological Threat Kit | During the Biological Threat

During a declared biological emergency:

If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.
Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice.
Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.
If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms

If a family member develops any of the symptoms below, keep them separated from others if possible, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice.

A temperature of more than 100 degrees
Nausea and vomiting
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Pale or flushed face
Headache
Cough
Earache
Thick discharge from nose
Sore throat
Rash or infection of the skin
Red or pink eyes
Loss of appetite
Loss of energy or decreases in activity

Hygiene

If someone is sick, you should practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
Do not share food or utensils.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Consider having the sick person wear a face mask to avoid spreading germs.
Plan to share health-related information with others, especially those who may need help understanding the situation and what specific actions to take.

If you are potentially exposed:

Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment. You may be advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.
For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.

Use Common Sense

Use Common Sense to determine if there is immediate danger.

If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.
Do not automatically assume, however, that you should go to an emergency room or that any illness is the result of the biological attack.
Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
Practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice.
Stay healthy. Eat well. Get plenty of rest.
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
In a declared biological emergency or developing epidemic stay away from crowds where others may be infected.
There may be times when you would want to consider wearing a face mask to reduce spreading germs if you yourself are sick, or to avoid coming in contact with contagious germs if others around you are sick.

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Prepare

Step 1: Get a Kit

Get an Emergency Supply Kit , which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
Make sure you have a "to-go bag" ready in case you need to evacuate.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Prepare your family ~ Make a Family Emergency Plan
Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly.
Plan to Evacuate - Make a plan for you and your family along with your pets .

Step 3: Be Informed

Listen to Local Officials - Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government . In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Antibiotics

While antibiotics are often an appropriate treatment for the diseases associated with biological weapons, the specific drug must match the illness to be effective.

One antibiotic, for example, may be appropriate for treating anthrax exposure, but is inappropriate for treating smallpox. All antibiotics can cause side effects including serious reactions. Plan to speak with your health care provider in advance about what makes sense for your family.