Microorganisms

To be prepared if you encounter a biological hazard, you must be able to recognize the hazard, evaluate the situation, and act properly.

Let's start by discussing the smallest hazard you could face: microorganisms. Microorganisms are small types of life such as viruses, bacteria, and algae.

Viruses are infectious organisms, which mean they can cause disease; they need a host to survive and live to reproduce and spread. Viruses can cause the flu, colds, rabies, Hepatitis, HIV, and other diseases.

Bacteria are organisms that can live in a wide variety of conditions. Most have no effect on people or animals. Some are beneficial, while some cause harm, resulting in conditions such as tetanus, pneumonia, cholera, strep, and botulism.

Algae are organisms that can be found in fresh and salt water around the world. Some types (such as blue-green, and red tide) can cause harm to people and animals.

To learn more about Outdoor Biological Hazards visit our Outdoor Biological Hazards Online Training web page.