Biological warfare is one of the forms of unconventional warfare. This type of warfare is based on the use of disease-inducing agents as weapons, and spreading them through the population under attack to cause wide outbreaks of illness. The use of biological weapons in terrorism or in the course of a war is a valid threat today. The possibility bioterrorism was demonstrated in October-November 2001 in the United States, when envelopes containing anthrax spores were mailed to various recipients, causing disease, death, economic damage, and widespread public panic.

The biological agents range from materials that neutralize the enemy only temporarily to those that cause fatal diseases. Biological agents would usually be scattered via an aerosol (spray). The time it takes the biological agent to take effect, called incubation time, is slow, and ranges (depending on the specific agent) from a few day to a few weeks.

Biological agents can enter the body in three ways:

1. Inhalation: The agent enter the body as people breathe, and spreads through the body via the lungs.
2. Intestinal: Contaminated food and drink might transmit the biological agent through the body via the digestive tract.
3. Cutaneous (through open wound): Direct contact between an open wound and the biological agent might allow the material to enter the body, though the agent would not be able to enter through intact skin.

That is to say: Even in the event of a biological weapons attack, staying in the secure room and wearing the protective mask prevents harm and saves lives!

What is the anthrax bacterium?

The anthrax bacterium is found in its natural state as a spore, that is to say a bacterium that can withstand even difficult environmental conditions and disinfectants thanks to its tough protective coating.

Inhaling the bacteria causes infection, as do eating and drinking foods and liquids contaminated with the spores (via the digestive tract). Infection via the eyes is unlikely, as is infection by contact with the skin (unless there is an open wound at the contact site).

What are the symptoms of anthrax infection?

The symptoms of anthrax infection are clear and obvious. The particular symptoms depend on the way that infection occurred:

Infection through inhalation: The initial symptoms resemble a light upper respiratory infection. If the bacteria has damaged the pulmonary system, the first symptoms will be a runny nose and flu-like symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, joint pain, fatigue, and a dry cough. From the lungs, the bacteria spread through the lymphatic and circulatory systems and release a toxin that attacks the whole body. Fluid retention in the lungs causes suffocation and death. Anthrax infection by inhalation is the most serious, and, without treatment, can prove to be fatal.

Intestinal infection: Intestinal anthrax infection usually occurs after consumption of meat contaminated with anthrax spores. It is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. This will in all likelihood lead to severe abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax infection is fatal in 25-60% of cases.

Cutaneous infection: Infection occurs when the bacteria enter the body through a wound or a cut in the body. Initially, there is swelling (resembling a blister) and local itching at the infection site. After a day or two, the swelling develops into a pussy skin ulcer with a black area in the center. Death from anthrax contracted this way is very rare, provided the patient is treated with antibiotics.

In all cases, treatment with antibiotics in pill form is likely to prevent the disease from developing.

In case of attack and possible infection, antibiotic treatment on a preventive basis should be started within no more than 48 hrs. after the time of the attack. The incubation period of the bacteria is about five days.

How do we prevent anthrax infection?

The ways to protect again anthrax infection are essentially identical to the familiar ways we protect ourselves against unconventional weapons (staying in sealed rooms and in secure spaces, and wearing protective masks). During a deliberate infection alert (such as biological warfare), the Home Front Command and the security forces will issue explicit directions.

If at any time there is an anthrax concern (a suspicious envelope, emergence of symptoms), act with utmost caution. Contact the police (call 100 from any telephone) and the Ministry of Health.

It should be stressed that the health care system in Israel is capable of treating patients who have been infected using antibiotics and isolation. There are also preventive vaccinations for medical and other relevant personnel, should the need arise.

Sometimes, anthrax is caused by contact with animals. Such infection can be prevented by inoculating herds and making sure they are under veterinary supervision.

Viruses are living creatures capable of reproducing inside the human body or other living organism. The incubation period until the emergence of symptoms ranges from two days to three weeks. Antibiotic treatment is ineffective against viruses. However, we can protect against some viruses by inoculations.

Viruses include some of the most serious diseases known to man throughout recorded history, such as bubonic plague, smallpox, Ebola, and more. The use of viral agents represents a significant threat to the welfare of the public, because after initial infection of just a few people, the disease can continue to spread to pandemic proportions, unless appropriate steps are taken.

Smallpox is an example of a variola virus. The average incubation time (i.e., the time it takes the virus to affect the body) is 12 days. Thus, during the first days of their illness, patients are not aware that they are sick, and can therefore infect others. Initial symptoms include a high fever, fatigue, and headaches. Afterwards, skin lesions emerge. Vaccination renders the disease not necessarily fatal.

It is important to point out that, to date, no use has been made of viruses in biological warfare. In the event of a viral attack, staying in the sealed room and using the protective mask can prevent infection.