Analysis of Bioterrorism Issue - Essay Example

Anthrax was wantonly spread through the postal system in the United States during 2001. Although anthrax cannot be spread using human conveyor, human beings are prone to be affected by the disease on inhaling the powdered form anthrax spores or eating undercooked meat from animals, which were already infected by anthrax. A very small amount of these tasteless, colorless and invisible spores of anthrax can cause one ill in a spell of weeks.1 There are three types of anthrax found. They are cutaneous, inhalation and gastrointestinal.

Cutaneous anthrax attacks the skin causing a small sore developing into a blister, which then becomes an ulcer. Undercooked food of infected animal meat causes gastrointestinal illness, showing early symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, bloody vomiting and fever. Inhaled anthrax develops symptoms relating to cold and flu. Early use of antibiotics can prevent anthrax but the vaccination formulated has not yet been circulated among general public2. Albeit smallpox has been eradicated throughout the world, the stock of these viruses in the hands of terrorists is still under question.

In 1977 there were reports of smallpox in Somalia. Initial symptoms of smallpox such as fever, fatigue, and rash are liable to be overlooked. But the small pus-filled blisters on face and arms indicate the onset of smallpox vividly.Plague causing bacteria Yersinia pestis are spread through rats, squirrels, and rodents. Once millions of people were killed in this epidemic. Antibiotics like, streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracycline, fluoroquinolone can be administered for treatment and prevention.

(Journal of American Medical Association, "Plague as a Biological Weapon", Vol 283.No 17, May 3, 2000)