Chapter I - Overview: (5) General Planning Considerations for CBRN Response: (A) (3) Biological Hazards and Their Effects: (a) Biological agents are microorganisms and/or biologically derived compounds or molecules that cause disease in personnel, plants, or animals; and/or cause the deterioration of material. Biological agents are divided into two broad categories: pathogens and toxins. Biological hazards from industrial, medical, or commercial toxic industrial biologicals can also cause a potential infectious or toxic threat. (b) Infectious diseases represent one of the greatest potential threats due to their reproductive ability and incubation period, the time delay from infection to the onset of symptom(s). An infectious biological incident anywhere in the world may remain undetected for several days to weeks after release due to the incubation periods. Diagnosis may be slow as many infectious agents have a slow onset and nonspecific symptoms that rapidly escalate in severity. Another compounding problem is that infectious casualties may be contagious without showing symptoms specific to the disease as they move from one geographic location to another, spreading the range of infection. Additionally, doctors often find difficulty in differentiating biological diagnoses as many initial symptoms often resemble those of the common cold. Depending on the pathogen, preventive measures and of travel, and challenges of quarantining. Finally, first responders may be among the first casualties, rapidly overwhelming local and government support systems. (c) When people are infected, medical facilities may be the first source to notice an increase in specific symptoms. Alternatively, the first signs of an attack may be unusually high and widespread purchase of over-the-counter medicines by civilians within a region. Domestically, hospitals report to their state departments of health and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC and National Institutes of Health can then recommend steps for containment and treatment. GCCs with foreign AORs encounter similar reporting processes that serve as warning and information sources. (d) Terrorists and other enemy elements may also attempt to use biological agents to infect agricultural plants and animals or to contaminate infrastructure, industry, and the environment. (1) Agriculture can be attacked through animals or crops. This type of attack can affect a nation's food supply, economics, and international trade. (2) Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can be genetically engineered for specific functions. An example is an oil-eating bacterium. This technology could be used to deteriorate or contaminate industrial supplies or materials. A bacterial pathogen can be modified to be resistant to a variety of antibiotics and, thus, could be difficult to treat