What should be noted about symptoms from a biological incident?

Symptoms from a biological incident often require days to weeks to manifest due to the nature of many biological agents. Unlike chemical agents that can produce immediate reactions, biological agents typically need time to replicate and spread within the host's body before causing noticeable health effects. This delayed onset can complicate detection and response efforts, as there may not be an immediate link to the biological exposure, making early diagnosis and intervention more challenging. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for first responders and healthcare professionals when assessing potential biological threats and developing appropriate response strategies.