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General Information The following is some general information on Chemical-Biological Warfare (CBW): Biological agents can be dispersed by an aerosol spray which must be inhaled. However, these agents can also be used to contaminate food, water and other products. Attention to basic food hygiene when traveling abroad is very important. Some chemical agents may be volatile--evaporating rapidly to form clouds of agent. Others may be persistent. These agents may act directly on the skin, lungs, and your membranes or be absorbed through your skin or lungs causing injury. When properly used, appropriate masks are effective protection to prevent the inhalation of either biological or chemical agents; however this assumes an adequate warning. Gas masks alone do not protect agents that act through skin absorption. There is an incubation period after exposure to biological agents. It is essential that you seek appropriate care for illnesses acquired while traveling abroad to assure prompt diagnosis and treatment. One of the biological warfare agents is the spore-forming bacterium that causes Anthrax, an acute infectious disease. An Anthrax vaccine that confers protective immunity does exist, but is not readily available to private parties. (Please see the Department's Fact Sheet on the Anthrax Vaccine.) Efficacy and safety of use of this vaccine for persons under 18 or over 65 and pregnant women have not been determined. Anthrax is susceptible to treatment if that treatment is initiated promptly after exposure. The post-exposure treatment consists of certain anti-biotics administered in combination with the vaccine. For additional information, please consult your health care provider or local health authority. Back to the Germ Warfare page.