biological weapon or biological warfare (BW). A living pathogen or substance produced by a living pathogen (e.g., toxin) that has the potential to be used to cause illness or death in humans, animals, or plants. Certain characteristics may make a pathogen or toxin favorable for use as a weapon, such as stability, ability to disseminate by aerosol, high infection rate, person-to-person spread, ease of obtaining, and ability to grow in large quantities.
biosafety levels (BSL). Laboratory safety levels, ranging from 1 to 4. Pathogens are designated to be worked on under these levels, with the higher numbers reserved for more dangerous pathogens. Levels BSL-3 and BSL-4 are considered “containment” because pathogens at those levels cause potential risk by aerosol to laboratory workers.
category A threat agent. A list of six agents deemed by the CDC to have the potential to cause significant harm to a population. The diseases they cause are anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fever (Ebola, Marburg, Lassa). Also designated in this book as the “Six Chessmen.”
chain of command. Higher levels within the military with authority over a specific military unit.
commander. The lead officer in a military unit who has disciplinary authority (under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice [UCMJ]) over the personnel under his or her command.
deputy commander. The second in charge in a military unit. Can be designated as the acting commander, as needed. Often serves in the role of managing the daily operations of a military unit.
electrocardiogram (EKG). A method of measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
epidemiologic triangle. The three aspects needed to cause an outbreak: a susceptible host (human or animal), a pathogen, and the environment conducive to spread.
15–6 investigation. A formal military investigation into wrongdoing.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). U.S. government agency that approves drugs, vaccines, and devices for use in the U.S. population.
hot side. The area in a containment lab where live, potentially deadly pathogens are worked with.
investigational new drug (IND). Designation given to vaccines or treatments that are not yet approved (“licensed”) by the FDA. Any use of an IND in humans must be given under a protocol with appropriate informed consent of the volunteers receiving it.
Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC). Command organization one level up from USAMRIID. It is commanded by a two-star general.
quarantine. Restriction of movement and activities of a potentially infected individual who is not yet ill (originally on a ship for forty days) for a specified period of time to minimize risk of spread to others
select agent. A plant or animal pathogen deemed by the CDC and the USDA to pose a significant threat to human, animal, or plant health. These have special handling and transportation requirements.