Premium
Disaster Preparedness: Biological Threats and Treatment Options
Author(s) -
Narayanan Navaneeth,
Lacy Clifton R.,
Cruz Joseph E.,
Nahass Meghan,
Karp Jonathan,
Barone Joseph A.,
HermesDeSantis Evelyn R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/phar.2068
Subject(s) - biological warfare , preparedness , smallpox , public health , medicine , medical emergency , plague (disease) , pandemic , health care , infectious disease (medical specialty) , public relations , disease , political science , covid-19 , vaccination , nursing , virology , law , pathology
Biological disasters can be natural, accidental, or intentional. Biological threats have made a lasting impact on civilization. This review focuses on agents of clinical significance, bioterrorism, and national security, specifically Category A agents (anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, and smallpox), as well as briefly discusses other naturally emerging infections of public health significance, Ebola virus (also a Category A agent) and Zika virus. The role of pharmacists in disaster preparedness and disaster response is multifaceted and important. Their expertise includes clinical knowledge, which can aid in drug information consultation, patient‐specific treatment decision making, and development of local treatment plans. To fulfill this role, pharmacists must have a comprehensive understanding of medical countermeasures for these significant biological threats across all health care settings. New and reemerging infectious disease threats will continue to challenge the world. Pharmacists will be at the forefront of preparedness and response, sharing knowledge and clinical expertise with responders, official decision makers, and the general public.