Bioterrorism

Question 1

What is bioterrorism?

Answer 1

The intentional release of biological agents (microorganisms/toxins) to cause harm, fear, or societal disruption.

Question 2

Name five microbial agents used in bioterrorism.

Answer 2

1. Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis).
2. Smallpox (Variola virus).
3. Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin).
4. Plague (Yersinia pestis).
5. Tularemia (Francisella tularensis).

Question 3

Why is anthrax a preferred bioweapon?

Answer 3

Its spores are durable, survive in the environment, and cause severe illness via inhalation.

Question 4

What makes smallpox a high-risk bioweapon?

Answer 4

High mortality, eradicated in nature (no routine vaccination), and rapid human-to-human spread.

Question 5

How does botulinum toxin act as a bioweapon?

Answer 5

Causes lethal muscle paralysis and respiratory failure; potent even in small doses.

Question 6

What are three impacts of bioterrorism on public health?

Answer 6

1. Mass casualties and overwhelmed healthcare systems.
2. Environmental contamination (air, water, soil).
3. Psychological trauma (fear, anxiety, societal panic).

Question 7

How does bioterrorism affect the environment?

Answer 7

Requires extensive decontamination efforts to restore air, water, and soil safety.

Question 8

List four components of bioterrorism preparedness.

Answer 8

1. Surveillance: Detect unusual disease patterns.
2. Emergency planning: Protocols for multi-agency coordination.
3. Education: Train healthcare workers and the public.
4. Research: Improve diagnostics, vaccines, and decontamination.

Question 9

Why is early detection critical in bioterrorism?

Answer 9

Enables rapid containment, treatment, and minimizes spread/casualties.

Question 10

Describe the 2001 Anthrax Attacks in the U.S.

Answer 10

Anthrax spores mailed to media and politicians; 5 deaths, 17 infections. Highlighted gaps in biodefense.

Question 11

What was the Rajneeshee Bioterror Attack (1984)?

Answer 11

Salmonella contamination of Oregon salad bars to sway elections; 700+ sickened.

Question 12

What caused the Sverdlovsk Anthrax Outbreak (1979)?

Answer 12

Accidental military facility release of anthrax spores in the USSR; 66 deaths from inhalation anthrax.

Question 13

Why is bioterrorism a global public health priority?

Answer 13

Threatens mass casualties, disrupts societies, and requires coordinated international vigilance.

Question 14

What lessons do historical bioterrorism cases teach?

Answer 14

Need for robust surveillance, rapid response, and public education to mitigate risks.