Units are not equipped with devices to indicate a biological hazard. After a suspected biological attack, individuals must continue wearing their protective masks until authorized to remove them by competent authority.

DECONTAMINATION OF PERSONNEL.- After a suspected biological warfare attack individuals can decontaminate themselves by showering with soap and hot water. The fingernails and toenails should be thoroughly cleaned and the hairy parts of the body should be thoroughly scrubbed. Contaminated clothing must be washed in hot soapy water when it cannot be sent to a field laundry for decontamination. Cotton items may be boiled.

DECONTAMINATION OF OUTDOOR AREAS.- Sunlight kills most microorganisms and usually decontaminates unshaded outdoor areas. However, shaded areas may remain hazardous from several hours to several days. Decontamination of a large area is not feasible.

DECONTAMINATION OF INDOOR AREAS.- Personnel in a shelter or building that is suspected of being contaminated with biological agents should wear their protective masks until they leave the building.

GUARDING AGAINST CONTAMINATION.- All exposed surfaces are assumed to be contaminated. Sealed containers, such as bottles and cans containing food and water, should be washed down and boiled before opening.

REPORT SICKNESS PROMPTLY.- Prompt reporting of sickness serves two major purposes:

1. It gives medical personnel the opportunity to identify the biological agent to which the individuals were exposed. Once the disease has been identified, effective medical measures can be taken.

2. It helps to prevent the spread of disease from person to person.

TREATMENT OF CASUALTIES.- There are no self-aid measures for the diseases that are caused by agents. In comparison to measles, the symptoms of biological warfare diseases appear in a like manner. Although it maybe a matter of days before the types of biological warfare agents are identified, medical personnel will direct the decontamination of these casualties.

Even though the Navy provides preventive shots for some diseases, additional shots have been developed that will be given to all hands if biological warfare ever occurs. If you contract a disease from biological warfare in spite of the shots, the sickness should be mild, and medical personnel will ensure that you receive the best treatment available.