title: Risks posed by mystery illness.
abstract: Patients may present with unknown illness caused by accidental or deliberate release of biological, chemical or radioactive material or a new/emerging disease. Nurses must be aware of the protocols to follow to ensure their own safety and that of other patients. This article discusses the national advice in dealing with incidents or outbreaks of unusual illness.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D001694:Biological Warfare / Q000517:prevention & control; D002618:Chemical Warfare / Q000517:prevention & control; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003666:Decontamination; D004189:Disaster Planning; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*