To: Gritty
Smallpox would, again, have been an effective weapon prior to 9/11. Now, if people started showing up with smallpox-like symptoms, it is MUCH more likely it would be properly diagnosed, and promptly. Quarantines, vaccination programs and new drugs to combat the disease almost make smallpox a waste of time for terrorists.
To: Trust but Verify
You are too optimistic, especially about anti-virals. Even a large-scale anthrax attack could take out tens of thousands (out of millions exposed). Smallpox would kill millions.
12 posted on
06/28/2002 5:30:22 PM PDT by
eno_
To: Trust but Verify
Smallpox would, again, have been an effective weapon prior to 9/11.It is still an effective weapon until we get enough vaccine to stop a widespread outbreak. But, even then it is problematical as the Soviets have supposedly developed species resistant to our typical smallpox vaccines. If a terrorist organization had some of these bugs, all the vaccinations in the world wouldn't save you. Remember, almost 95% of the pre-Columbus Amerindian population was wiped out by disease to which they had no immunity. The survivors and their defunct civilizations were devastated. They went from a nearly unbeatable power to slavery in a few short years.
There are lots of biologicals other than smallpox that are a threat. Sure, they may wipe out half the world. But, do you think Al Queda would care? It's the cause that counts!
16 posted on
06/28/2002 5:43:15 PM PDT by
Gritty
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