Bioterrorism facts for kids
Bioterrorism is when people use tiny living things, like germs, to make others sick or cause panic. These germs are called biological agents. While some of these germs exist naturally, they can sometimes be made stronger in a lab. There are many ways these germs can be spread.
Protecting against bioterrorism is called biodefense. This often involves using vaccines or special medicines to keep people safe.
There are different groups of these biological agents, based on how dangerous they are:
Contents
Category A: Most Dangerous Germs
These are the highest priority agents. They pose a very high risk to a country's safety. Examples include anthrax and smallpox. These germs can spread easily and cause serious illness or death.
Category B: Serious Risk Germs
These agents also pose a risk to national safety. They are not as easily spread as Category A agents, but they can still cause widespread sickness. Examples include brucellosis and melioidosis.
Category C: Future Risk Germs
This group includes new diseases that could become a big risk in the future. Scientists watch these diseases closely. An example is hantavirus.
Related pages
Images for kids
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United States Airman wearing an M-17 nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare mask and hood
See also
In Spanish: Bioterrorismo para niños
