Introduction
Biological pathogens released intentionally or accidentally, or naturally occurring, can result in disease or death. Human exposure to these agents may occur through inhalation, skin (cutaneous) exposure, or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Following exposure, physical symptoms may be delayed and sometimes confused with naturally occurring illnesses. Biological warfare agents may persist in the environment and cause problems some time after their release.
The agents below fall into four major groups, three classes of microorganisms - bacteria, rickettsia, and viruses, plus bacterial toxins, which are poisonous chemicals produced by bacteria. Incubation period, duration of illness, symptoms, means of transmission, treatment, and prognosis, are among the types of information included.
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