Botulism (Clostridium botulinum)

method of delivery: historically used as contaminant of water and food supplies, in modern day can be delivered as an aerosol

symptoms of exposure: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness

incubation period: 12-72 hours

effects: releases potent nerve toxins in body that cause paralysis of arms, legs, trunk, respiratory muscles, death

structure: irregular round shaped bacteria

source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bioterror/agen_botulism.html

references:

o http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/botulism_g.htm

o http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bioterror/agen_botulism.html