Anthrax Attack!
A Case on Bioterrorism
Author(s)
Infectious Disease
James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
kari.mergenhagen@va.gov
Abstract
This case study presents a fictitious bio-terrorist plan to release anthrax in the United States. Students are assigned character roles and, through research, role-playing, and teamwork, develop a plan to minimize or avert the attack. The case is appropriate for courses designed for health professionals, general biology courses, and social science courses.
Objectives
- Explain the pathogenesis and mode of anthrax transmission in humans and animals.
- Understand the difference between naturally occurring anthrax and weapon grade anthrax.
- Recognize the importance of a team approach in combating acts of terrorism.
- Distinguish the roles and responsibilities of various personnel involved in averting or minimizing the effects of biological warfare.
- Identify the complexities of treatment, cleanup, and methods to minimize the adverse affects of a biological attack.
- Consider the devastation, physical destruction, and economic impact of a bioterrorist attack.
Keywords
Biological warfare; bioterrorism; terrorist attack; biological weapons; Bacillus anthraci; anthraxTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Dilemma/Decision, Discussion, Role-Play, Student PresentationsLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Science (General) | Public Health |
Date Posted
01/27/03Teaching Notes
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