Glossary

Anthrax
Anthrax is a disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. There are three types of anthrax: cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and gastrointestinal (digestive). Inhalational anthrax has the highest rate of mortality. All types of anthrax are treated with antibiotics.

Blister Agents
Blister agents, also called vesicants, cause blistering of the skin and mucous membranes on contact.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
An emergency operations center is activated in response to a disaster. Staff within the EOC manage and coordinate the disaster response.

Nerve Agents
Nerve agents are chemicals that poison the nervous system of those who are exposed, affecting their movement and breathing. In some cases, even a small amount of exposure can produce symptoms and death.

Pandemic
A pandemic is a disease outbreak on a global scale.

Plague
Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by a bacterium named Yersinia pestis. Plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The disease has a high mortality rate if left untreated.

POD
POD stands for point of dispensing. A POD is a temporary medical clinic where vaccines, medication, and medical supplies are dispensed in response to a public health emergency. PODs are also called medication centers.

Prophylaxis
Preventative medical treatment, such as vaccines or drugs, provided to people who may have been exposed to a bacterium or virus that is likely to cause disease.

Respiratory Agents
Also called pulmonary agents, respiratory agents are chemicals that cause severe irritation or swelling of the respiratory tract (lining of the nose, throat, and lungs).

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a potentially life-threatening respiratory illness caused by a virus.

Tularemia
Tularemia is a potentially serious illness caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which is found in animals (especially rodents, rabbits, and hares). It is treated with antibiotics.