How Humans Can Contact Biological Warfare Agents?
Through Inhalation: From breathing (inhaling) in of biological agents resulting in systemic (general) body infection. Inhalation of biological warfare agents is virtually always fatal. For example, almost all cases of inhalational anthrax, in which treatment was begun after patients have exhibited symptoms, have resulted in death, regardless of post-exposure treatment.
Through the Skin: The most common root of biological agents entrance is the absorption through the surface of the skin, as well as from the contact with infected animals (cutaneous form). A minor scratch or abrasion, usually on an exposed area of the face, neck or arms, is inoculated by spores from contaminated objects. The skin form of bacterial invasion creates multiple chronicle diseases, rather than lethality. For example, untreated contact anthrax has a fatality rate of 5-20 percent, but with effective treatment, few deaths occur.
- Gastrointestinal Infection: Another way of bacterial invasion is infected food, particularly meat. Gastrointestinal biological agents are generally not considered a threat to U.S. forces.
|