4-5.
INDICATIONS OF A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK
The following are indications that an attack using biological agents may have
occurred.
(1) Many soldiers and civilians are sick for unknown reasons (mysterious
illness, cause unknown).
(2)
Large numbers of insects present (more than normal) or unusual insects
detected.
(3)
Large numbers of dead wild and domestic animals.
b. Possibility.
(1)
Artillery shells with less powerful explosions than normal HE rounds.
(2)
Area bombs that pop rather than explode.
(3)
Mist or fog sprayed by aircraft.
4-6.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK
Signs and symptoms of diseases produced by biological agents used in military
operations are usually similar to the normal signs and symptoms of the disease.
However, there may be unusual circumstances. For example, casualties may have
signs and symptoms of two unrelated diseases or may have acquired the disease in an
unusual way, especially if the casualty has respiratory involvement with a disease that
usually does not attack through the respiratory system. The diseases may not be
traceable to a normal source (common contaminated water source or food), but seem to
be grouped in geographic areas and spread by wind (aerosol form being used). Also,
the disease may not be normal for the area. Some of the casualties' signs and
symptoms may help you to identify the type of biological agent being used.
4-7.
EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
When used by an enemy, biological warfare is the intentional application of live
agents or toxins to cause death and disease among personnel, animals, or plants or to
a. Live Agents.
(1) These are living organisms that can be delivered directly (artillery or
aircraft spray) or through a vector such as a flea or tick.
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