Protective measures against a biological threat include training, immunization of personnel, and strict personal hygiene.

Biological Defense Training

Training for defense against biological agents must stress the necessity for an alert and questioning attitude toward any indication that biological agents may have been used. Although knowledge of these agents is important, there must be no unreasonable fear of disease from a suspected biological attack. Personnel should be instructed not to repeat or exaggerate rumors. Seabees should also know the following facts about a biological attack.

l It is normally impossible to recognize or detect.

. It may be used to supplement other types of attack

. It may be used to cause either delayed death or incapacitation for strategic purposes.

Prevention of Disease

Casualties from a biological attack can be reduced by using the following preventive measures:

l Strict personal hygiene

. Immunization

l Quarantine of contaminated structures and areas

l Instruction in the proper care of cuts or wounds

l Use of approved sources of food and drink

High standards of personal hygiene and, when practical, avoidance of practices that produce a run-down condition. This assists personnel in fighting an infection. The importance of good protective mask discipline and proper field sanitation measures must be emphasized.

Indications of a Biological Attack

These are indications of a biological attack.

l Low-flying aircraft that appear to be producing a mist or spray

l The function of any type of spray device

l The function of a submunition, such as a bomblet, that appears to have no immediate effect

l Unusual types of bomblets found in the area

l Swarms of insects, such as mosquitoes, suddenly appearing after an aircraft has dropped containers that did not appear to have immediate effect