ALTHOUGH people have waged the warfare of direct combat throughout the span of human history, only recently have the fears and thoughts of America's leaders and citizens turned to an even more frightening yet silent battle: bioterrorism. No longer can the nation defend its security solely against swarming planes and marching troops. To protect Americans - let alone civilization itself - the government must resolutely pursue an increased defense against infectious agents, especially smallpox, through both research and development and physical security.
Even though no one would describe the situation with anthrax as lucky, the country has been fortunate thus far in encountering a lesser of two evils - a non-contagious agent. Any public health official, however, would readily express a growing concern for the possibility of another type of biological assault in the form of a communicable agent. Scientists around the world now are cooperating to safeguard populations against the use of other diseases as massive killers.
From the time of its introduction to the New World by European explorers to nearly the end of the 18th century when Edward Jenner successfully devised a vaccine against the disease, smallpox flared up in areas around the world causing severe illness and death throughout entire populations. Thanks to a worldwide vaccination effort spearheaded by the World Health Organization, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980.
The success of the past, though, has left the majority of the world incredibly vulnerable to an attack employing smallpox as a weapon. The last routine vaccinations took place in 1972, and with those doses providing an immunity for a person lasting only about three to five years, basically every person on earth is susceptible without receiving the vaccine. Lifetime immunity is achieved only after surviving an infection with smallpox. The vaccine, however, has one large advantage in that it can be effective in preventing infection if administered up to four days after exposure.
The government continues to reassure the public about the unlikelihood of a smallpox attack. In any case, the United States has a stockpile of slightly more than 15 million doses of the smallpox vaccine. Optimally, the government would like to purchase an additional 300 million doses by the end of next year at a cost of $509 million. No plan for widespread inoculation exists, but the government's aim is to have one dose stored for every American.
|
The facts surrounding smallpox, though, are somewhat unsettling. After the announcement of official eradication in 1980, samples of the agent were stored at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta and in a similar facility in Russia. The Soviets, however, used smallpox in producing weapons. No one can be sure if any rogue nations or terrorists obtained the smallest amount of it. The disturbing threat of smallpox comes in its rapid spread - it's highly contagious, and a single case would set off a rapid emergency response chain of events.
As a result, the government must take numerous precautions and research measures. An obvious step would be to attempt to best track the location of all smallpox samples in conjunction with the Russians. Should any evidence of security breaches exist, international law enforcement and investigators must swiftly trace the paths of missing samples. Even the smallest vial of smallpox in the hands of a terrorist could wreak havoc in entire cities or beyond. With the knowledge of possible possession of the disease, officials must work to either seek out the owners and apprehend them or prepare the nation for the worst. Labs with any similar pathogens should be forced to register with the CDC and increase security at facilities.
The most important efforts, though, will take place on the medical front. Federal health agencies and private drug companies need to join in massive vaccination and infection research. Unfortunately, the government's plan already has hit several speed bumps. Drug companies are insisting on higher prices than originally proposed. One side, however, must give in in the face of the blatant threat to the country. Forgoing some of their profit motive, drug companies feasibly could lower the price of the vaccines. Should they not yield to the government's request, the government must make purchasing and researching smallpox vaccines a top priority even if it means reducing tax cuts and eliminating unnecessary programs. The government also could increase the flow of funds for smallpox research, including current studies involving the possible dilution of stored vaccines.
Despite the initially terrifying prospect of bioterrorism, with quick and decisive action by the government and medical sector, this nation will continue to function in a society free of threats to public health in defiance of those who threaten our well being.
(Becky Krystal's column appears Tuesdays in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at bkrystal@cavalierdaily.com.)
Read More
Letters to the Editor: The resignation of University President Jim Ryan
YesterdayFollowing this resignation, The Cavalier Daily has received letters from the University community which provide various perspectives on what this moment means to them and to the University’s future.
U.Va. Medical Students: Defend academic freedom
By U.Va. Medical Students | 5 days agoTo yield in the face of federal pressure does more than betray the University’s core values — it encourages future attacks on academia.
MICHAELSON: U.Va. must not surrender to authoritarian pressure
By Wesley Michaelson | 6 days agoThis University belongs to the people of Virginia — not to Washington, not to unelected federal appointees and certainly not to political donors with an agenda. This is our University. And we will fight for it.
