Biological Disaster

UPSC Exam Preparation: Topic of the Day – Biological Disaster

Biological disasters are highly destructive effect caused by spread of a pathogen on an epidemic level or a pandemic level. It is the phenomenon of organic origin conveyed by biological vectors, including exposure to pathogenic micro-organisms, toxins and bioactive substances that causes illness, injury, loss of life or other health impacts, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, environmental damage etc. Examples of biological disasters include outbreaks of epidemic diseases, plant or animal contagion, insect or other animal plagues and infestation.

Biological disasters might be caused by epidemics, accidental release of virulent microorganism(s) or Bioterrorism (BT) with the use of biological agents such as anthrax, smallpox, etc.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the nodal ministry for handling epidemics, decision-making, advisory body and emergency Medical Relief provider. According to the constitution, health is a state subject. The primary responsibility of dealing with biological disasters rests with the state government. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) is the nodal agency for investigating outbreaks. The NICD/ Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) provide teaching/training, research and laboratory support.

Biological disasters may be in the form of:

• Epidemic: Epidemic affects a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time.

Example: Cholera, Plague, Japanese Encephalitis (JE)/Acute Encephalitis  Syndrome (AES)

• Pandemic: Pandemic is an epidemic that spreads across a large region, that is, a continent, or even worldwide of existing, emerging or reemerging diseases and pestilences,

Example: Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu).

Occupations and workplaces where people may come into contact with biological hazards

• Medical staff, cleaning staff and laboratory technicians in the medical profession;
• Healthcare services.
• Cleaning services and property management.
• Employees in environmental hygiene services such as liquid waste and rubbish collection and disposal.
• Agriculture, fishery, veterinary services, and manufacturing industries that use plant- or animal based raw materials, such as paper and paper products, textile, leather and furs and related products.
• Indoor workplaces in enclosed areas with central air-conditioning like hotels and restaurants. On furnishing materials like carpets and wallpapers, the potted plants and places that are wet and damp or utensils that hold water are likely to be the breeding ground for microorganisms.

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