Bioterrorism Open Access Journals

Bioterrorism Open Access Journals

Bioterrorism is the intentional release or threat of release of biologic agents (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi or their toxins) in order to cause disease or death among human population or food crops and livestock to terrorize a civilian population or manipulate the government [3]. Is bioterrorism a legitimate threat? Epidemics of plague in India, avian (H5N1) influenza in Hong Kong, ebola haemorrhagic fever in central Africa and Nipah virus (NiV) infection in Malaysia and Singapore required national and international response. During the plague and ebola investigations, concerns regarding possibility of bioterrorism were raised, though not supported by subsequent findings . Investigations into these outbreaks has taught us a number of important lessons. The challenges posed by biological weapons are availability of multiple agents and delivery means, variable incubation periods, high mortality rates and potential for geographic dispersion of the agent (due to travel) during the incubation period. At times prompt identification or distinction between a bioterrorist attack and natural disease outbreak may be difficult.


Last Updated on: Nov 29, 2024

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