Emerging Infections & Bioterrorism Flashcards
What is an emerging infectious disease?
An infectious disease whose incidence is increasing. This may be due to an expanding geographic range, changes in virulence, or changes in the host range.
What are the four classifications of emerging infectious diseases?
Newly emerging, Re-emerging, Deliberately emerging, Accidently emerging
An infectious disease has sustained human-to-human transmission across countries. What pandemic stage is this disease in?
Stage 3
What is stage 1 of a pandemic disease?
Altered transmission between animal hosts, with some spread to domesticated animals
A disease frequently infects humans and sporadically causes large outbreaks. What pandemic stage is this disease in?
Stage 2
What factor is required for a zoonotic pathogen to cause a pandemic?
Sustained human-to-human transmission
What types of organisms are most likely to emerge as infectious diseases?
RNA viruses (high mutation), bacteria that can acquire genes via horizontal gene transfer, pathogens with a wide host range
What factors are influencing emergence of diseases?
Microbial adaptation, economic development (deforestation, urbanization, suburbanization), agriculture practices, international travel and trade, climate and weather changes
What are the two types of biological agents?
Transmissible agents & agents that cause disease but are not contagious to others
How can biological agents be dispersed?
Aerosol, food/water contamination, person-to-person, animals, insects, physically (mail)
What are the categories of biological agents? What category is considered the most severe?
Categories A, B, C, with A being the most significant
What are characteristics of a Category A biological agent?
Easily disseminated or transmitted, high mortality, public panic and social disruption, requires special action
What are the highest threat biological agents?
Anthrax, Plague, Tularemia, Marburg, Ebola, Smallpox, Botulism
This category A biological agent is likely to be transmitted through contaminated food or water and has a high mortality rate, but does not spread person-to-person.
Botulism
What category A biological agents may be weaponized for aerosol dispersal?
Anthrax, plague, Tularemia, Ebola, Marburg, Smallpox
