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This story was printed from Terrorism,
located at /27393/dreamwvr/terrorism/smallpox1.htm
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SMALLPOX
Smallpox once again is a serious threat to man, this time as a
biological weapon. Unlike chemical weapons, viruses like smallpox are invisible,
silent and odorless and so, they have less chance of being detected and
eliminated. Furthermore, smallpox is made all the more dangerous because nearly
everyone is susceptible to it as vaccinations have stopped worldwide over two
decades ago with its eradication.
If used as a weapon, it is unlikely the disease would be identified fast enough
for a vaccination program to be effective. Here is a scenario that could happen
if terrorists get hold of smallpox and use it as a weapon:
A terrorist in an airport squeezes a few lethal sprays of smallpox from a
hand-held spray. Unsuspecting victims inhale the virus. They spread the virus as
they come into contact with others. Within a day, the virus could spread to many
other countries. As nearly everyone is susceptible and vaccinations are in short
supply, whole populations can be wiped out. Oh yeah, tourism falls.
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