Biological Threat Preparedness
• Stockpile three days of nonperishable food.
• Stockpile three days of water (three gallons for each person).
• Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight, along with extra batteries.
• Keep a first aid kit and an extra supply of prescription medications.
• Keep backup charges for cell phones.
• Important documents: identification, bank account records, Social Security cards in a waterproof container.
• Know where your gas, electricity, and water main shut-offs are.
Smallpox
What is it? A serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease caused by the variola virus. There is no specific treatment. The only prevention is vaccination.
How is it spread? Generally by direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
What are the symptoms? Incubation period is about 12 days. Initial symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headaches, and backaches. A rash then appears, first on the face and spreading to arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Anthrax
What is it? An acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It most commonly occurs in animals but can also occur in humans exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals.
How is it spread? Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary depending on type of exposure. Skin: raised itchy bump that develops into a painless ulcer. Inhalation: initial symptoms resemble a common cold, followed by severe breathing problems and shock. Gastrointestinal: nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever.
Plague
What is it? An infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
How is it spread? Through the bites of infected fleas, direct contact with infected tissues, or inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.
What are the symptoms? Bubonic plague: swollen and tender lymph glands, fever, headache, chills, weakness. Pneumonic plague: fever, headache, weakness, rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.
Chemical Threats — Nerve Agents
Nerve agents are among the most toxic of known chemical agents. They work by blocking an enzyme that is needed to control nerve function. Exposure can be through skin contact, eye contact, or inhalation.
What are the symptoms? Small exposure: runny nose, watery eyes, small pupils, blurred vision, drooling, excessive sweating. Large exposure: loss of consciousness, convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure potentially leading to death.
What should you do? Leave the area immediately. If outdoors, move upwind. If indoors, get out. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
Dirty Bomb (Radiological Dispersion Device)
A dirty bomb combines a conventional explosive with radioactive material. It is not the same as a nuclear bomb.
What should you do? Move away from the area quickly. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce inhalation risk. If you were close to the explosion, remove clothing and seal in a plastic bag. Shower thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention and listen to emergency broadcasts.
Fraud / Hoaxes
Unconfirmed threats or suspicious packages should be reported to local law enforcement. Do not touch, taste, or smell any suspicious substance. If you receive a suspicious letter or package: handle with care, do not shake or empty contents, place in a plastic bag, wash your hands with soap and water, and call local law enforcement.
Contact
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Emergency: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55