Bioscope

           Amid all the new reports and sensationalism on anthrax and smallpox and the lack of preparedness for bioterrorism, it is easy to worry about how to proceed. We are far better prepared for bioterrorism than we were in 2000, when ASA had the World Congress on Chemical and Biological Terrorism in Dubrovnik.
           Since that time we've had to deal with inhalation anthrax and this has helped to educate many of our medical professionals. Further, since the discussions of destroying smallpox strains began in earnest in 1996, we face the possibility that this scourge may be intentionally released. Iraq, according to Scourge by Jonathan Tucker, continued to vaccinate its troops into 1990, more than a decade after smallpox was eradicated UNSCOM noted research camelpox by a senior Iraqi virologist, perhaps this was used for vaccine production, but there was no need for its use as an alternative to vaccinia. Smallpox was eradicated in Iraq in 1972. It would have been very easy for Iraq to freeze and keep some of the virus isolates. Iraq would not have to "import" any smallpox, despite some reports that Iraq acquired smallpox cultures from the former Soviet Union or Russia. If Iraq did have smallpox cultures, they have not declared them. Nor are they the only country that might have smallpox cultures; North Korea is also suspected, among other countries. Smallpox is a disease that no country or group would think of releasing without guaranteeing a vaccine for its troops and citizens.
           According to Tucker, the US also vaccinated troops against smallpox until 1990. However, now in 2002, we may need to vaccinate not only our troops, but also our civilian populations worldwide. Around the world, we have all become complacent. We expect the medical establishment to quickly come up with new cures and treatments for everything. We would expect live to continue without a big disruption. But, since we have neglected public health out of complacency, we are starting from behind. Smallpox, once released, will challenge our best public health programs. Our best defense is improving public health - around the world.
           Let us hope that increasing funding for fighting bioterrorism produces gains in public health for all countries.