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Interim guidelines for action in the event of a deliberate release of viral haemorrhagic fevers
Theoretically, viral hemorrhagic fevers could be released deliberately as an aerosol, although airborne infection of humans through small-particle aerosols has not been clearly demonstrated and is likely to be difficult to achieve. The viruses are not highly infectious from person to person, requiring close contact with contaminated bodily fluids for transmission. In addition, the viruses cannot survive for long outside the body.
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General information - Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Viral hemorrhagic fevers are a group of illnesses that are caused by several
distinct families of viruses: arenaviruses, filoviruses, bunyaviruses and flaviviruses.
Some of these cause relatively mild illnesses, whilst others can cause severe,
life-threatening disease. Examples of these viruses and the diseases they cause
are shown in the table. more
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Interim guidelines for action in the event of a deliberate release of botulism
Botulism toxin is the most poisonous substance known. Several countries are known to have attempted weaponisation of the toxin for airborne dispersal (which would lead to toxin inhalation). Food borne dispersal would also be possible. Waterborne dispersal is unlikely due to the rapid neutralisation of the toxin by standard water treatment procedures. more
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General information - Botulism
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, which is a poison produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium is able to survive in soil in
the form of spores. more
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How to spot a deliberate release: Clinical tips and cardinal signs
This handout containing cardingal signs for cases detection provides valuable advice in the event of a deliberate release. It covers four clinical pictures that require urgent attention if they appear in previously healthy persons. more
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