While smallpox has been eradicated in the wild, samples of the deadly virus still exist in the United States and Russia. Some biodefense experts fear that the continued existence of smallpox leaves the world open to a bioterrorist smallpox attack. To contain a possible smallpox outbreak, the U.S. government has…
In event of a ricin attack, reach for bleach
If a bioterrorist attack ever does happen, ricin is widely regarded as the weapon of choice. Comparatively cheap and easy to get, there's no known antidote to the toxin. But in the event of an attack, common household bleach may be the best way to clean up. A recent report compared the effectiveness of bleach (NaOCl),…
New bioterror vaccine protects against anthrax and smallpox
A combined smallpox and anthrax vaccine has been developed which is faster and more efficient than either individual version, and could prove to be invaluable during a bioterrorism attack. The researchers took the protective part of an anthrax vaccine, and inserted it into an existing smallpox vaccine along with an…
