60 Minutes: Iraq Has Smallpox

NewsMax.com ^ | 10/7/01 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[coder2]

60 Minutes reported Sunday night that Iraq has a strain of smallpox.

Smallpox is a deadly and highly contagious virus.

Only two countries were believed to have strains of the virus, the U.S. and Russia.

60 Minutes' Mike Wallace reported this evening that Saddam Hussein acquired some of the smallpox virus from a laboratory in Russia.

Russian scientists have also been helping countries like Iraq and Iran developed biological weapons.

[Salman]

It's a simple equation. Smallpox on us = B61 on Mr. Hussein.

If it can be verified that Saddam Hussein is attempting to develop smallpox into a biological warfare agent, I would recommend the themonuclear sterilization option as a proactive measure.

OK, as far as it goes, but it might also be a good idea to start vaccinating again. Just a thought.

[Cachelot]

If this is true, things could get very ugly.

A Pox on Our House: Will Clinton's N.S.C. Compound America's Vulnerability to Biological Warfare?

[eastforker]

If ever there was a case for euthanasia that would have to be it.

[eastforker]

If ever there was a case for euthanasia that would have to be it.

[dighton]

(#36)

Yes, that's what I meant by an ounce of prevention.

[RichardW]

" was vaccinated as a kid (30 years ago). Anyone know how long the vaccination lasts?"

Same here. My understanding is that basically all of us are now vulnerable.

[cajungirl]

I thought the immunity was for 30 years. Will check that out. They stopped in the early 70's.

[Sueann]

Well, earlier this week Roger Hedgecock pointed out that most people 30 and over have been vacinated against smallpox. They finally stopped doing the vacination because there just didn't seem to be a threat any more.

So, if someone does use the smallpox, there is plenty on hand for those who are not vacinated. This is not a threat! Iraq may think it is, but I heard them discussing it today and the Centers for Disease Control said they have plenty on hand.

[Question_Assumptions]

I got the vaccine but I have only a very tiny scar. I've heard that it suggests natural immunity. I do wish that they'd make small pox vaccines available on request, though.

[DSHambone]

This might have been covered already - but pardon my ethnocentric analysis

Background - The largest anthrax outbreak ever to occur was in Russia as they were developing it as a biological agent.

Having some experience with Arab level of professional conduct - I do not think that Baghdad can develop smallpox as a bio agent without screwing the pooch at some point. The time to worry is when we hear from the Shiites or Kurds in Iraq about smallpox cases within Iraq. Since the last case was documented over 25 years ago - it would signal to the world the danger and make it the time to unlease the full fury of our military.

We'll get a warning on the smallpox - no matter who is developing it - I hope!

But as always, my opinion is worth what you pay for it.