Why should we be concerned about biological warfare?
Article Abstract:
The US needs to develop a cooperative arrangement between local and federal government and the military to deal with terrorist attacks using biological weapons. Even though the US dismantled its biological weapons program in 1969, other nations have not always done so. Since biological weapons are relatively cheaply made and deployed, small groups of people such as religious sects can develop weapons capability. Biological weapons have been used in the past and there is no reason why it could not happen in the US. The Atlanta Olympics illustrated how well military and civil agencies could work together.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Biological terrorism: preparing to meet the threat
Article Abstract:
The US needs to become better prepared to deal with the consequences of a terrorist attack using biological weapons. Experience with conventional terrorism indicates that we may not be able to prevent such attacks. However, physicians can play an important role in dealing with these attacks by becoming familiar with the organisms that are most often used. Hospitals in large cities should also stockpile antidotes and other effective drugs to treat the diseases these organisms cause. Senate hearings in 1995 and 1996 found that the US is ill prepared to deal with the consequences of biological weapons.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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National health and medical services response to incidents of chemical and biological terrorism
Article Abstract:
A national framework for responding to a terrorist attack using biological or chemical weapons may not be completely effective. Presidential Directive 39 signed in June, 1995 gives the FBI and the Federal Emergency Management Agency the primary responsibility for coordinating the federal response to terrorist attacks. However, an incident at the B'nai B'rith headquarters in Washington, DC, showed that the city's management of this potential crisis was flawed. Several recommendations for enhancing the local and federal response to terrorist attacks are included.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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