ABSTRACT
The primary route of entry of these pathogens is ingestion of contaminated food or fluids. However, for mass casualty events, inhalation is the most effective route of entry. If the agent vapor is not naturally transmitted as an aerosol, it may be altered (e.g., freeze-dried) to facilitate an inhalation pathway. For this reason, all incidents involving pathogens should be considered posing an inhalation hazard during the initial evaluation. The primary routes of entry of pathogen aerosols include inhalation and/ or contact of the aerosol with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. In addition, although intact skin is an effective barrier against most pathogens, abraded skin (e.g., abrasions, lacerations, or penetration of the skin by debris) circumvents this protective barrier and allows entry of the pathogen into the body.
