Bioterrorism

Question 1

What is the goal of bioterrorism?

Answer 1

To cause mass panic and disruption in society

Bioterrorism aims to instigate fear and chaos among the population.

Question 2

What is the goal of biowarfare?

Answer 2

To incapacitate or kill the enemy

Biowarfare focuses on harming military or opposition forces.

Question 3

What are the three components of food system protection?

Answer 3

• Food Defense: Resilience to intentional harm
• Food Safety: Reliability against unintentional hazards
• Food Security: Sufficiency for nutritional needs

These components ensure the integrity and availability of food supplies.

Question 4

What does CARVER + Shock stand for?

Answer 4

• Criticality
• Accessibility
• Recuperability
• Vulnerability
• Effect
• Recognizability
• Shock

This framework is used to assess the risk of various targets in relation to bioterrorism.

Question 5

What are Category A bioterrorism agents?

Answer 5

• Anthrax
• Botulism
• Plague
• Smallpox
• Tularemia
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers

These agents are prioritized due to their potential impact on public health.

Question 6

Why are Category A agents high priority?

Answer 6

They’re easily disseminated, cause high mortality, and create public panic

The characteristics of these agents make them particularly dangerous.

Question 7

What is ricin?

Answer 7

A toxic natural chemical agent from castor beans

Ricin is highly potent and can be lethal even in small quantities.

Question 8

What is sarin?

Answer 8

A potent chemical warfare nerve agent

Sarin disrupts the nervous system and can cause death within minutes.

Question 9

What does BioWatch do?

Answer 9

Monitors for airborne biological threats in cities

BioWatch is a surveillance system aimed at early detection of biological attacks.

Question 10

What is the BioSense program?

Answer 10

Collects syndromic data for early outbreak detection

BioSense helps in identifying potential public health threats quickly.

Question 11

What are the four biosafety levels?

Answer 11

• BSL-1: Low risk, minimal precautions
• BSL-2: Moderate risk, lab coats & gloves
• BSL-3: Serious pathogens, respiratory protection
• BSL-4: Dangerous pathogens, full-body suits

These levels categorize laboratories based on the risk associated with the pathogens handled.

Question 12

What PPE is required for BSL-4 labs?

Answer 12

Full-body, air-supplied positive pressure suits

BSL-4 labs handle the most dangerous pathogens requiring maximum protection.

Question 13

Which biosafety level is used for SARS-CoV-2?

Answer 13

BSL-3

BSL-3 is appropriate for pathogens that can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation.

Question 14

What act provided coordination and funding for national biodefense preparedness?

Answer 14

The 2002 Bioterrorism Act

This act was a significant step in enhancing the country’s response to bioterror threats.

Question 15

What agency oversees food recalls and classifications?

Answer 15

FDA and USDA

These agencies ensure the safety and quality of food products in the United States.

Question 16

What does EHIRT stand for and what does it do?

Answer 16

Environmental Health Investigation and Response Team – responds to all-hazards public health emergencies

EHIRT plays a critical role in addressing public health threats, including bioterrorism.