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More than two years before September
11 and the anthrax attacks that followed, the CDC had been designated
by Congress to prepare for the likelihood of a bioterrorism attack.
Among numerous other tasks related to this directive, the CDC examined
a myriad of bacteria and viruses that are pathogenic to humans and
determined which of these might be used as biological weapons. A panel
was assembled with experts in public health, infectious disease,
military bioweaponry, members of the intelligence communities, and
law enforcement to determine the agents that were viable threats
as biological weapons (Table 11–1). Four criteria were
considered in selecting these agents. As stated by the CDC, the
four points were:
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- • Public health impact using two measures: morbidity
and mortality
- • Delivery potential to large populations based on
two primary considerations: ability to mass produce and distribute
a virulent agent and potential for person-to-person transmission
of the agent, and the stability of the agent was considered
- • Public perception as related to fear and potential
civil disruption
- • Special public health preparedness needs based
on stockpile requirements, enhanced surveillance, or diagnostic
needs
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Based on these considerations, the working group developed a
list of seventeen pathogens or types of pathogens that were felt
to pose legitimate threats. These pathogens were subdivided subsequently
into Category A, B, or C agents according to the degree and nature
of the threat posed (Table 11–2).
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