Bacteria as agents of biowarfare. How to proceed when the worst is suspected.
Recognition of an increasing incidence of uncommon pneumonias with a high mortality rate, clusters of cases, or a high incidence of pet illnesses or death should alert medical personnel to the possibility of terrorism with bacteriologic agents. Prompt reporting of such unusual occurrences to the local health department is of paramount importance for early identification of cases, treatment initiation, and institution of preventive measures.
Infectious Diseases Division, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20889-5600, USA. jefftjaden@medscape.com
Jeffrey A
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Tjaden
Angeline A
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Lazarus
Gregory J
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Martin
D000881:Anthrax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D001694:Biological Warfare / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010930:Plague / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D014406:Tularemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy