Anthrax Epidemic

Running Head: ANTHRAX EPIDEMIC

Anthrax Epidemic
Stephanie Isley
Kaplan University

CJ110-02
Professor Hilton
November 9, 2010
Anthrax Epidemic
There are many different types of weapons used by terrorists. Chemical, biological, radiological dispersal devices and nuclear weapons produce the most devastating impacts, emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Arsenic, cyanide, mercury, bromine, and ethylene glycol are a few examples of chemical agents which can be used in terrorist attacks. Biological agents include anthrax, botulism, tularemia, Ebola, and psittacosis. An example of a radiological dispersal device would be a “dirty bomb.” This is a device which spreads radioactive materials, that when it makes contact with an area, becomes contaminated. A nuclear weapon is a weapon used for mass destruction and whose explosive power is produced by nuclear fission (atomic bomb) or nuclear fusion (hydrogen or thermonuclear bomb) (Bozarth, 2009). The devastation the United States encountered during the 9/11 terrorist attacks would have lasting effects on thousands of people for years to come but no one expected what would follow so close after the attacks.
In the latter part of 2001, our country was hit with an outbreak of anthrax which resulted in death for some and caused serious illness in others. Anthrax is an infectious disease which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Usually, this disease affects ruminant animals such as horses, cattle, goats, and sheep. Humans can be infected with anthrax if they ingest animal products that are infected or if they have an open wound are exposed to an infected animal. However, a person cannot get infected by being exposed to someone who has the disease. The most common way to become infected is through the skin which will usually come in the form of a sore. The deadliest way to contract anthrax is through inhalation and once it spreads through the lungs and produces toxins, it will usually result in death... [continues]

Read full essay