Question

Discuss the consequences of bioterrorism on a community.

Answer 1

Major issue now days which is the hot topic after this Covid-19 initiation is the extent and scare of Bioterrorism. Bioterrorism and its potential for mass destruction have been subjects of increasing international concern. Approximately 17 countries (including five implicated as sponsors of international terrorism) may have active research and development programs for biologic weapons. Only modest microbiologic skills are needed to produce and effectively use biologic weapons. Production costs are low, and aerosol dispersal equipment from commercial sources can be adapted for biologic weapon dissemination. Bioterrorists operating in a civilian environment have relative freedom of movement, which could allow them to use freshly grown microbial suspensions (storage reduces viability and virulence). Moreover, bioterrorists may not be constrained by the need for precise targeting or predictable results. The economic impact of a bioterrorist attack can range from $477.7 million per 100,000 persons exposed in the brucellosis scenario to $26.2 billion per 100,000 persons exposed in the anthrax scenario. These are minimum estimates. It can increase from two fold to 50-fold higher depending of the strain new or old.