Plague as a Biological Weapon

摘要: ObjectiveThe Working Group on Civilian Biodefense has developed consensus-based recommendations for measures to be taken by medical and public health professionals following the use of plague as a biological weapon against civilian population.ParticipantsThe working group included 25 representatives from major academic medical centers research, government, military, health, emergency management institutions agencies.EvidenceMEDLINE databases were searched January 1966 June 1998 the Medical Subject Headings plague, Yersinia pestis, weapon, terrorism, warfare, biowarfare. Review bibliographies of references identified this search led subsequent identification of relevant published prior 1966. In addition, participants identified other unpublished sources. Additional MEDLINE searches were conducted through 2000.Consensus ProcessThe first draft consensus statement was synthesis information obtained in formal evidence-gathering process. The convened to review drafts document October May 1999. final statement incorporates all evidence obtained literature conjunction with recommendations supported members.ConclusionsAn aerosolized could cause fever, cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis with signs consistent severe pneumonia 1 6 days after exposure. Rapid evolution disease would occur 2 4 symptom onset and lead septic shock high mortality without early treatment. Early treatment prophylaxis streptomycin or gentamicin tetracycline or fluoroquinolone classes antimicrobials advised.