Biological Threat

In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to provide information on what you should do. It will take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated, and who is in danger.

The first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by exposure to an agent. In a declared biological emergency or developing epidemic, there may be reason to stay away from crowds where others may be infected.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

• Call Campus Safety at 253-288-3350 or ext. 3350 from a campus phone
• Quickly get away if you are near the biological threat
• If you are indoors, close doors and windows and stay inside until notified by officials

DO

• If you are outdoors, stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the area if you see people suffering from signs of exposure (choking, tearing)
• Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing
• If you have been exposed to a biological agent, remove and bag your clothes and personal items, wash yourself with soap and water, and immediately seek emergency medical attention

DON'T

• DO NOT assume that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result of a biological threat