Biodefense and Bioterrorism

Summary

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

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Specifics

• Abrin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Arsine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Chlorine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Cyanide: Exposure, Decontamination, Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Key Facts about Tularemia Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Lewisite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Nitrogen Mustards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Phosgene Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Ricin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Riot Control Agents Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Sarin: Exposure, Decontamination, Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Sodium Azide Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Soman Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Strychnine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Sulfur Mustard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Tabun Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• VX: Exposure, Decontamination, Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Español/Spanish

• Biohazard Exposure Department of Homeland Security

Start Here

• Bioterrorism American Academy of Family Physicians
• Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• In the Event of Bioterrorism: Protecting Families from Deadly Diseases American Academy of Pediatrics

Find an Expert

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Department of Homeland Security Department of Homeland Security
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Related Issues

• Mass Psychogenic Illness American Academy of Family Physicians
• Respirator Fact Sheet National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Department of Health and Human Services

Journal Articles

• Biodefense and Bioterrorism