Table 5.
Case number triggering criteria for considering a potential bioterrorism event
| Number of Cases in Geographic Cluster | Disease(s)a |
|---|---|
| 1 | Smallpox |
| 2–3 | Anthrax Plague Botulism VHF Viral encephalitis |
| >3 |
C perfringens SEB Salmonella Shigella |
This factor is in part based on the background incidence of disease in a geographic area and therefore varies from location to location as well as based on seasonal variations. For example, a viral encephalitis that is naturally transmitted by an endemic vector occurring in the summer when mosquitoes are prevalent would not necessarily raise concerns; however, a single case occurring in the winter or in a geographic area where that infection is not typically seen may raise concerns immediately.
Data from Henretig FM, Cieslak TJ, Kortepeter MG, et al. Medical management of the suspected victim of bioterrorism: an algorithmic approach to the undifferentiated patient. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2002;20(2):358.