Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

Lesson 4: Biological Agents

4-4. METHODS OF DISSEMINATION

Biological agents may be disseminated using arthropods carrying the disease bacteria or virus, by contamination of water systems and food processing centers (canneries, for example), or as a liquid sprayed from tanks or bursting munitions. The most likely method, though, is by aerosol distributed by an airplane or by missiles or bombs. In aerosol form, the agent can be quickly spread over a large area. The aerosol form is also more difficult to detect and diagnose. The aerosol form enters the human through the respiratory tract, which is the preferred route for military use.