This section includes disease/agent specific information pertaining to two basic categories--biological agents/diseases and chemical agents.

As stated in the MMWR, April 21, 2000 / 49(RR04);1-14, "The public health infrastructure must be prepared to prevent illness and injury that would result from biological and chemical terrorism, especially a covert terrorist attack. As with emerging infectious diseases, early detection and control of biological and chemical attacks depends on a strong and flexible public health system at the local, state and federal levels. In addition, primary health-care providers throughout the United States must be vigilant because they will probably be the first to observe and report unusual illness or injuries."