I’m working on a nursing discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

A bioterrorism attack in a public place is a public health emergency. Early detection and rapid investigation are the keys to containing such attacks. The most important step in the event of a bioterrorist attack is the identification of the event. This can be achieved by generating awareness, having a high degree of suspicion, and having a good surveillance system to assist in quick detection (lane, 2018). In September 2001, the American public was exposed to anthrax spores as a bioweapon delivered through the US postal system. The center for disease control and prevention (CDC) identified 22 confirmed or suspected cases of anthrax during this attack. The bacterium that causes anthrax is considered a highly dangerous potential agent for use in bioterrorism. It is classified as a Category A agent – the highest risk type – by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most serious implications of anthrax include:

The body is unable to respond to infection normally, leading to damage of multiple organ systems (sepsis)

Inflammation of the membranes and fluid covering the brain and spinal cord, leads to massive bleeding (hemorrhagic meningitis) and death(Robinson, 2014)

Early diagnosis has easier treatment. In addition, An anthrax vaccine is available for certain groups of people. The vaccine doesn’t contain live bacteria and can’t lead to infection. However, the vaccine can cause side effects, ranging from soreness at the injection site to more-serious allergic reactions. The vaccine isn’t intended for the public. Instead, it’s reserved for military personnel, scientists working with anthrax, and people in other high-risk professions.

People must avoid invasive procedures or autopsy, but if performed, all instruments and proximate environment should be thoroughly disinfected with a sporicidal agent. Patients should remove contaminated clothing and store it in labeled, plastic bags (Torko,2021).

Standard precautions for healthcare workers. 

Gloves, gown, mask, face, and eye protection, also hand hygiene – always – following any patient contact.

Second discussion 

A biological attack, or bioterrorism, is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops. Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria thar cause anthrax, is one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack (Anthrax as a Bioterrorism Weapon | CDC, 2020). Im going to write about the anthrax mail incident that happen in the United States. With anthrax the main things would be how your body reacts to it. If your body is not able to react to it in a normal fashion it could lead to multiple organ systems and inflammation of the membranes and fluid of the brain and spinal cord. The therapy for anthrax is taking antibiotics. A good decontamination agent use for anthrax chlorine dioxide. The chlorine dioxide fumigation approach used after the 2001 postal anthrax attacks is expensive and can preclude reoccupation of contaminated buildings for many years (Anthrax, 2011). The right PPE for this type if bioterrorism would be a type of respiratory protection like N95 mask, protective garments like boot covers or impermeable suits, as well as eye and face shields, and gloves.