Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties

Lesson 4: Biological Agents

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.