The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published an updated list of what are considered some of the more critical biological agents we may face today:
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals.
Additional information on anthrax is available on the following website(s):
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three main kinds of botulism:
All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism can be especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned through eating a contaminated food.
Additional information on botulism is available on the following website(s):
Cryptosporidium parvum is the microscopic parasite that causes the disease Cryptosporidiosis. This organism can be found in the intestine of infected humans and animals. Those that are infected can pass the organism in their stool, which is how it enters our water supplies and can potentially contaminate our drinking water. Unlike bacteria and viruses, parasites are very resistant to chlorine disinfection due to a protective outer shell. This shell also allows the organism to survive outside the body for long periods of time.
According to the CDC, Cryptosporidium has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in humans in the United States during the past two decades. It is important that anyone with a compromised immune system (those with HIV, organ transplant patients, or those undergoing chemotherapy) protect themselves from exposure to this organism in their drinking water. Water can be boiled or filtered with an appropriate water treatment device (see the NSF Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units for a list of filters effective for reduction of "cysts").
Additional information on Cryptosporidium or the disease Cryptosporidiosis, is available on the following website(s):
E. coli O157:H7 is one of several hundred of strains of the bacteria Escherichia coli. Although most strains of these bacteria are harmless and are naturally found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. Most infections come from eating undercooked ground beef.
For further information on the proper temperatures for cooking meat and poultry, visit the NSF Food Safety web pages.
Additional information on E. coli is available on the following website(s):
This organism is normally carried by rodents, especially the deer mouse. Humans become infected by exposure to their droppings. Until recently, the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) was not recognized as a disease in North America. Although infection is not common, the CDC advises that HPS is potentially deadly and infected individuals need immediate intensive care once symptoms appear.
Additional information on hantavirus is available on the following website(s):
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the name for the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, commonly known as TB. This bacteria usually attacks the lungs in an infected individual, but it can attack any part of the body. This disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.
TB is spread through the air from person to person. The bacteria enter the air when a person infected with TB of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People who are nearby and breathe in these bacteria may become infected.
For further information, visit the following website(s):
Smallpox is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through the air and can be spread from person to person. Health experts estimate that about 30% of the people who are exposed to it will become infected. Smallpox can spread from person to person and through infected blankets, linens, and clothing. Although vaccines are available, there is no drug treatment available to treat smallpox infections at this time.
