Do you consider spreading contagious lethal germs to be initiation of force, when unintentionally spread by an unwitting victim?
No flame intended, just wondering.
Interesting question. I'll have to think about it. My knee-jerk response is that initiation of force must be a conscious act, so my answer would be 'no'.
One thing though -- if the infected person and/or his physician were unaware that he was ill, then how would anyone know he is contagious in order to quarantine him? (Assuming that you're looking at a quarantine as a means of preventing force from being initiated).
If it is unintentional (meaning the person doing the spreading doesn't know they have a contagious disease) then I would not consider it an initiation of force in the sense of punishing them for it. I suppose there is the issue of negligence to deal with, however. If it can be proved that the person maintained a state of ignorance ON PURPOSE, when there was reason to expect that they would be contagious, then they should be held liable.
My thoughts on quarantine and forced treatment are as follows: I have no problem with quarantine of those who are proven contagious with a deadly disease. I also have no problem with quarantining those who have been in a high risk environment for contracting such a disease, though they should be released if the tests are negative. If they refuse testing, which is their right, then they should be held in quarantine. The same goes for medical treatment. It is their choice, but if they refuse, the quarantine stands.
This is based upon my opinion that anyone who knowingly has a deadly contagious disease who refuses treatment is initiating force and causing harm to others.