Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 3
CBRN Assessment and Incident Recognition
1) Viral Agents - Viruses are intracellular organisms that lack a system for their
own metabolism, and are, therefore, dependent on host cells. Every virus
requires its own special type of host. The host cells can be from humans,
animals, plants, or bacteria. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria. Viral agents
include:
• Smallpox (Variola major)
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF)
2) Bacterial Agents - Bacteria generally cause disease in humans and animals
by one of two mechanisms: invading host tissues, and/or producing toxins. The
diseases they produce often respond to specific therapy with antibiotics.
Bacterial agents on the high-risk list include:
• Anthrax
• Plague
• Tularemia
3) Toxins - Toxins are deadly substances produced by living organisms
(animals, plants, microbes). Exposed persons are not infectious. Toxic agents on
the high-risk list include:
• Ricin
• Botulism Toxins
3.2.2.1 Signs, Symptoms, and Onset - The onset of symptoms depends
on initial dosage and the host’s resistance to the agent. Depending on the
biological agent, the onset of symptoms may be delayed for a number of
hours, days, or even weeks. Table 2 illustrates the effects and initial onset
timeframes for each of the seven “high-risk” biological agents.
CBRN First Responder Training Program
22
Basic Level Course