Smallpox as a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management
Article Abstract:
A panel of 21 representatives from the staffs of major medical centers and research, government, military, public health, and emergency management institutions and agencies has released guidelines for managing a potential outbreak of smallpox used as a biological weapon. The panel recommends a test that can diagnose smallpox quickly, followed by patient isolation, contact tracing, decontamination of affected areas, and vaccination of susceptible individuals. Patients could also be cared for at home. Regional planning is needed as are adequate stockpiles of vaccine and vaccinia immune globulin.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Clinical recognition and management of patients exposed to biological warfare agents
Article Abstract:
Physicians need to be knowledgable about the various infectious organisms that could be used as biological weapons and how to treat them. Many of these organisms can be delivered by plane or boat as an aerosol, which could cover large areas depending on weather conditions. Hundreds of thousands of people could be affected. The diseases include anthrax, brucellosis, plague, Q fever, tularemia, smallpox, viral encephalitis, viral hemorrhagic fevers, botulism, and staphylococcal gastrointestinal infections. Diagnostic and therapeutic information for these diseases is included.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Biological warfare: a historical perspective
Article Abstract:
There is still a threat that biological weapons may be used despite a worldwide treaty prohibiting their development. In 1972, over 100 countries signed the Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits the development and use of biological weapons as well as devices to deliver them. However, both the former Soviet Union and Iraq were found to be in violation of the treaty. The threat of a terrorist attack using biological weapons resurfaced in 1984 and 1995 when religious cults were linked to disease outbreaks caused by Salmonella and the nerve gas sarin.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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