title: Being prepared: bioterrorism and mass prophylaxis: part II.
abstract: Although several biological agents have been recognized as presenting a significant threat to public health if used in a bioterrorist attack, those that are of greatest importance are known as the Category A agents: Bacillus anthracis (anthrax); variola major (smallpox); Yersinia pestis (plague); Francisella tularensis (tularemia); ribonucleic acid viruses (hemorrhagic fevers); and Clostridium botulinum (botulism toxin). In the previous issue, Part I of this review focused on the clinical presentation and treatment of anthrax, plague, and tularemia. In this second part of this 2-part review of these agents, the focus is on the clinical presentation and treatment of smallpox, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and botulism toxin. The utilization of mass prophylaxis to limit the morbidity and mortality associated with all these agents is also discussed along with the role emergency care personnel play in its implementation.
authors.affiliation: KentuckyOne Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (Dr Weant); University of Kentucky HealthCare, Departments of Pharmacy Services and Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington (Drs Bailey, and Fleishaker); and Charleston Area Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, Charleston, West Virginia (Dr Justice).
authors.forename: Kyle A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Weant
authors.forename: Abby M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: Elise L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Fleishaker
authors.forename: Stephanie B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Justice
mesh_terms: D023482:Bioterrorism; D001906:Botulism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D006482:Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D012899:Smallpox / Q000517:prevention & control*