Smallpox as a Biological Weapon
Item Details
Title
Smallpox as a Biological Weapon
Topics
This report aims to make recommendations to medical and public health professionals for measures to be taken following the use of smallpox as a biological weapon against a civilian population.
Date
1999
Conclusions
Smallpox has catastrophic potential as a bioweapon due to its high mortality, transmissibility, the lack of treatment options, and the susceptibility of the population. A response to an attack would require early detection, isolation of infected individuals, surveillance of contacts, and a selective vaccination program.
Source
Henderson, D.A., et al. Smallpox as a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management. Working Group on Civilian Biodefense. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1999 Jun 9;281(22):2127-37. doi: 10.1001/jama.281.22.2127.
Citation
“Smallpox as a Biological Weapon,” Collection of Biothreat Risk Assessments (COBRA), accessed October 16, 2024, https://cobrabiosecurity.org/items/show/468.