Beyond Anthrax: The Weaponization of Infectious Diseases

Description

Biological warfare has, unfortunately, in the post 9/11 world become a significant topic of discussion in both the medical and lay presses. In the wake of the biological "letter bombs" containing anthrax spores, the possibility of biologic and/or toxic attacks on civilians in any part of the world became no longer a possibility. It is now part of common discussion and consciousness. This book presents the history of the topics and clinically relevant discussions on those high risk (Category A) diseases beyond anthrax as well as a number of infections and toxins at the Category B level. Importantly, in addition, the text includes sections on Public Health Infrastructure, Public Health Law, Surveillance, Mental Health Management and Media Role all of which relate to epidemics of any sort, not just intentional biological events. Beyond Anthrax: The Weaponization of Infectious Diseases is a product that should serve as a reference point for clinicians, epidemiologists and public health personnel to understand in practical detail many of the aspects of weapons of biowarfare as well as the appropriate responses to them. It will be an invaluable information source for all those with an interest in biological warfare, including those who require a detailed, organized primer on the diseases thought to be those on the forefront of risk. Larry I. Lutwick, MD is Director of the Infectious Disease Unit at the Brooklyn Campus of the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Health Care System in Brooklyn, New York and Professor of Medicine at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. Suzanne M. Lutwick, MPH is Director of Grant Development for the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation in Hackensack, New Jersey and adjunct faculty at State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center and at Seton Hall University, East Orange, New Jersey. Front Matter....Pages i-xv The History of Bioterrorism: Old Idea, New Word, Continuing Taboo....Pages 1-15 Smallpox and Bioterrorism....Pages 17-54 Plague....Pages 55-76 Tularemia....Pages 77-84 Botulism....Pages 85-105 The Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers....Pages 107-144 Melioidosis....Pages 145-158 Epidemic Typhus Fever....Pages 159-180 Category B Biotoxins....Pages 181-205 Intentional Terrorist Contamination of Food and Water....Pages 207-224 Public Health Infrastructure....Pages 225-237 Public Health Law and Biological Terrorism....Pages 239-252 Public Health Surveillance for Bioterrorism....Pages 253-278 Psychosocial Management of Bioterrorism Events....Pages 279-293 The Role of the Media in Bioterrorism....Pages 295-313 Rapid Detection of Bioterrorism Pathogens....Pages 317-334 Plant Pathogens as Biological Weapons Against Agriculture....Pages 335-363 Back Matter....Pages 365-374