Small pox and letter bombs - Essay Example

Terrorism Threats and Management s There are many threats of terrorism present in the world. The use of bioterrorism and letter bombs are typical examples of possible methods terrorist may use to harm civilians. Therefore, terrorism management requires an understanding of bioterrorism scenarios and identification of letter bombs. With the history of bioterrorism in various places of the world, it is unlikely to rule out the possibility of a smallpox major outbreak as an act of terrorism. As one of the most contagious diseases in human history, smallpox may be transmitted by contact with an infected person and through breathing the air contaminated by the virus spores.

However, in the hands of a terrorist group, the most effective method to cause a massive outbreak would be to launch a covert attack using airborne methods. According to Pavlin (1999), a covert attack that exposes people to the smallpox virus, spores is the most likely scenario the world can encounter in the case of a bioterrorism attack (p. 532). The robust nature of the smallpox virus makes it possible to be disseminated through the air as an aerosol. Thus, chances of the virus spreading from one person to the other through the air are very high.

Covert attacks may result in the massive outbreak of the disease after about two weeks of incubation. In order for the potential terrorist to cause a major outbreak of smallpox, they would firstly, weaponize the virus. Weaponization includes making sufficient quantities of the virus in stable forms. Covert attacks would have more effects because the outbreak goes completely unnoticed. The use of air-borne route to deliver the virus is still the most effective because low cost and easily accessible equipment can be used to produce aerosol with small particles.

In ideal scenarios, the particles can remain in the air for longer durations and easily enter the lungs of people. Since the method is airborne massive outbreaks may be achieved (Klietmann & Ruoff, 2001).Other than bioterrorism, letter bombs are the other terrorist threats facing people. Historically, the likelihood of a person receiving a letter containing suspicious substances or device is low. However, it is important to remain very vigilant for suspicious packages because they may contain a mail bomb or any other threat.

Many indicators can help identify suspicious letters or packages. It is worthy to check the size of the letter or package. Large packages are suspicious of such threat but flat, and thin envelopes may rarely contain the threat of a bomb (Burke, 2006).Checking out the return address is a crucial step towards identifying suspicious letters. If the return address does not exist be wary of the letter. Hiding the return address may indicate that they do not want anyone to find out about the company.

Poorly typed addresses are also suspiciousA close inspection of the parcel or letter for lumps or unusual bulges is important. Lumps or unusual bulges may be a sign that the letter may be containing a suspicious mail bomb. Letter bombs are in most cases, bulky and may have irregular shapes with many bulges and protrusions (Burke, 2006). The packaging of the letter or parcel may show signs of threat. Excessive or inadequate packaging may be suspicious. Most legitimate companies do not use strings when packaging but ensure they secure boxes or neatly apply tape to the packages.

According to Burke (2006), the use of strings is a sign of poor packaging and is considered suspicious (p. 208). Maybe the person, who sent such a package, lacks the right equipment to package the equipment in a professional manner. Openings in the package and signs of wires or any other suspicious items are signs of a threat. ReferencesBurke, R. (2006). Counter-Terrorism for Emergnecy Responders, 2nd Edition. CRC Press.Klietmann, W., & Ruoff, K. (2001). Bioterrorism: Implications for Clinical Microbiologist.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 14(2), 364-381.Pavlin, J. (1999). Epidemiology of Bioterrorism. Emmerging Infectious Diseases, 5(4), 528-565.