Posted on 08/03/2002 7:46:10 AM PDT by madfly
Edited on 08/03/2002 7:57:30 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
One of the real problems with this whole discussion is who do you believe? Since Sept. 11 when the questions about the possibility of a small pox bio-attack have been raised, I've seen only two sides, either "we're all gonna die" or, "it won't be a problem, go back to your lives citizens". Where does one go for realistic information that will allow us to be prepared without freaking out needlessly?
They are completely different viruses. Smallpox is your tradional Pox virus. Chicken pox is in the herpes family.
One of the real problems with this whole discussion is who do you believe? Since Sept. 11 when the questions about the possibility of a small pox bio-attack have been raised, I've seen only two sides, either "we're all gonna die" or, "it won't be a problem, go back to your lives citizens". Where does one go for realistic information that will allow us to be prepared without freaking out needlessly?
The only way to wade through propaganda is to check the information yourself. Most of the time the real answer lies somewhere between. I personally do not think smallpox would be much of an issue here in the states. We have the protocols and vaccines in place to actually stop an even big outbreak. Smallpox would devaste the 3rd world if relased though. Terrorists would be stupid to ever use it because it would come right back and kill their families.
My advice here, would be read information on the virus and the vaccine and the protocols we have in place for dealing with it. In the end, only you can make the choice on where you stand.
Because of where I live that wouldn't be a problem for me personally. I doubt it would come to that anyhow, I think we'll have the vaccines available soon.
I have heard on the radio that these vaccinations are not forever.
Worse, I work with some young people, ages 18-26. Not one of them has been innoculated against this plague.
It is time to bring back smallpox vaccinations.
Edward Jenner used an early smallpox vaccination on his infant son. The son grew up mentally retarded and died at age 21 of smallpox. The boy may have been vaccinated as many as 23 times. Jenner did not vaccinate his next child.
Early mass vaccination in England was followed shortly by the worst epidemic of the disease that England had yet seen. Some localities refused the vaccinations and treated the few cases that occurred by quarantine and antisepsis. More likely the vaccination only appeared to succeed by prematurely wiping out most of the susceptible individuals. Methods of quarantine, improved hygiene, and nutrition are more likely responsible for the eventual eradication of the smallpox virus in human populations.
"The CDC reported (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 30, 1999, 48:621-628) that improvements in sanitation, water quality, hygiene had been the most important factors in control of infectious diseases in the past century. Although vaccines were mentioned, they were not included among the major factors."
"Not only had poor sanitation and nutrition lain the foundation for disease, it was also compulsory smallpox vaccination campaigns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that played a major role in decimating the populations of Japan (48,000 deaths), England & Wales (44,840 deaths, after 97 percent of the population had been vaccinated), Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, India (3 million -- all vaccinated), Australia, Germany (124,000 deaths), Prussia (69,000 deaths -- all re-vaccinated), and the Philippines. The epidemics ended in cities where smallpox vaccinations were either discontinued or never begun, and also after sanitary reforms were instituted (most notably in Munich -- 1880, Leicester -- 1878, Barcelona -- 1804, Alicante -- 1827, India -- 1906, etc.)." -- Gary Krasner
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.