I believe the header date was a mistake being beginning of the year in 2021 vs. 2020 and referring to the recent data from December 2020. Thanks for posting! It’s so outrageous.
Bioterrorism: Should we be worried?
“Biological weapons.” The phrase alone could send chills down the spine. But what are they? How do they work? And are we really at risk? In this Spotlight, we survey their history and potential future.
Biological warfare has been used for thousands of years.
Sometimes known as “germ warfare,” biological weapons involve the use of toxins or infectious agents that are biological in origin. This can include bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
These agents are used to incapacitate or kill humans, animals, or plants as part of a war effort.
In effect, biological warfare is using non-human life to disrupt — or end — human life. Because living organisms can be unpredictable and incredibly resilient, biological weapons are difficult to control, potentially devastating on a global scale, and prohibited globally under numerous treaties.
Of course, treaties and international laws are one thing — and humanity's ability to find innovative ways of killing each other is another.