Optimizing Barrier Protection During a
Pandemic Event Caused by Influenza A

Influenza as a Bioterroristic Weapon Influenza is on the list of bioterrorist agents, and is classified as a Category C agent.36 Category C agents are the third highest priority agents and include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination. In the past, influenza pandemics were naturally occurring events caused by an antigenic shift. However, at present, an influenza pandemic could be started intentionally by releasing a deliberately altered influenza strain. If this occurs, we will likely see substantial illness, death, social disruption, and widespread panic. This type of bioterroristic attack would by far surpass the trauma and devastation of all other types of bioterroristic situations experienced in the past.37 For example, smallpox used as a bioterrorism weapon takes 7-17 days for incubation, while the influenza incubation period is 1-4 days. With vaccines in short supply and the reality of global travel, this could result in catastrophic effects.

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