Bioterrorism is the overt or covert dispensing of disease pathogens by individuals, groups, or governments for the express purpose of causing harm for ideological, political, or financial gain. The U.S. public health system and its primary healthcare providers must be prepared to address various biological agents, including pathogens rarely seen in the United States. The first part of this bioterrorism activity (EDA 436- 0002) covered the signs and symptoms of the six high-priority agents and how they are transmitted. This second part builds on information provided in the first activity, specifically presenting how to plan for and react to a possible bioterrorism event.

Content level: Intermediate/advanced

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• describe two elements required in a facility’s response plan for bioterrorism.
• identify two resources available to acquire treatment-related supplies.
• identify three things to consider when choosing treatment personnel and locations.
• identify when and how to implement decontamination procedures.
• describe how to develop a careplan for a patient exposed to bioterrorism agents.