According to the CDC, category C bioterrorism agents are the "third highest priority agents include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination in the future because of availability; ease of production and dissemination; and potential for high morbidity and mortality rates and major health impact." Category C bioterrorism agents include Nipah virus and Hantavirus, both considered emerging infectious diseases.
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- Know the currently listed Category C agents and their symptoms. Category C agents change more often than other categories because they are considered potential threats but aren't of first concern due to the difficulty of dissemination on the public. Therefore it's important to know what agents are listed as category C and their symptoms.The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) provide a comprehensive list of current category C agents. [1] .
- Follow news outbreaks of illness not considered endemic (common) in the region. The CDC provides many resources relating to emerging diseases. Category C agents are not common, generally vector borne (transmitted by insect or small rodents). Symptoms aren't well known in the medical community and transmission may happen very quickly so consistent surveillance is key.
- The CDC provides a report called the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), an excellent source for monitoring emerging disease outbreaks.[2]
- The CDC provides a report called the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), an excellent source for monitoring emerging disease outbreaks.[2]
- Research the history of bioweapons. The history of bioweapon development is critical in understanding the current threat. Agents that have been mass produce or engineered in the past, even if stock piles have been destroyed, are more likely to surface in the future. Dissemination of agents is complex, by researching historical accounts the possibility or limitation of Category C agent risk is apparent. Although these books aren't specific to category C agents they give a strong foundation necessary to identify outbreak indicators.
- Great reading resources include; "The Anthrax Letters” by Dr. Leonard A. Cole, “Rising Plague: The Global Threat from Deadly Bacteria and Our Dwindling Arsenal to Fight Them” by Brad Spellberg, “Bioterrorism and Infectious Agents: A New Dilemma for the 21st Century” edited by Ken Alibek,“Biohazard” by Ken Alibek
- Great reading resources include; "The Anthrax Letters” by Dr. Leonard A. Cole, “Rising Plague: The Global Threat from Deadly Bacteria and Our Dwindling Arsenal to Fight Them” by Brad Spellberg, “Bioterrorism and Infectious Agents: A New Dilemma for the 21st Century” edited by Ken Alibek,“Biohazard” by Ken Alibek
- Protect yourself. The goal in identifying a category C agent is prevention. Armed with the knowledge you have acquired, it is most important for you to protect yourself from possible exposure. This will allow you to be an advocate for those unsuspecting that may fall victim to a category C agent.
- Protecting yourself includes making a plan, similar to a fire drill but on a larger scale. Gather supplies, just as you would for a hurricane or tornado, and educate your family and friends so they can prepare as well. There are many resources for emergency planning; necessary supplies and procedures are generally the same regardless of the risk. You will want to shelter in place, have first aid, food, water, and a way to isolate the sick.
- Protecting yourself includes making a plan, similar to a fire drill but on a larger scale. Gather supplies, just as you would for a hurricane or tornado, and educate your family and friends so they can prepare as well. There are many resources for emergency planning; necessary supplies and procedures are generally the same regardless of the risk. You will want to shelter in place, have first aid, food, water, and a way to isolate the sick.
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- Great resources include;"America's Forgotten Pandemic: The Influenza of 1918" by Alfred W. Crosby,This book provides an eye opening account of the effect of a pandemic on daily life.“Emergency Preparation: 100 Tips for Practical Family Preparedness Using A Realistic Approach for Better Planning” by Major Stroud
