Perspective on Bioterrorism in the United States

미국의 생물테러대책에 관한 고찰

The fear briefly became reality in the U.S. after 9/11, as man-made anthrax spores were found in letters and in east coast post offices on a number of occasions. Anthrax attacks must be related to the terrorist attacks of September 11. These two accidents changed the situation completely. Characteristics are summarized as belows. First, it is necessary for all countries to create each own appropriate countermeasures against bioterrorism. In addition, it is urgent to consider countermeasures focusing on bioterror characteristics that terrorists may use biological agents because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several hours to several days. Otherwise, those attacks will also show the panic and very real danger posed by the release of such toxins on an unsuspecting public. Second, it is crucial to manage the result thoroughly. A biological weapon is useful to a terrorist group mainly as a method of creating mass panic and disruption to a society. Because it is not easy to predict and collect information about how terrorists utilize pathogenic microbe as well as terror measures in their activities, more realistic approach should be taken to reduce damage. Third, to expand investment in research and development is necessary. Considering advances in microbiology and genetic engineering lately, it is likely that new pathogenic microbe would be created by the enemy. For that matter, it is imperative that medical countermeasures should be devised.