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| Bioterrorism logo |
Basically, bioterrorism is terrorism using biology. CDC defined it as an attack that uses virus, bacteria, or other germs (agents) that are used to cause illness or death in people, animal, or plants. Imagine a bomb with invisible explosion... well, something like that. A virus is released into the environment, gets inside your systems, kills you, and spread fast like a shockwave. Still can't imagine? Ever seen Resident Evil? Something like that. (Should've mentioned it earlier)
You're probably not scared because we're surrounded by germs all the time and haven't died yet. Outbreaks happen and so far things aren't that bad. But stay here for a minute, now, and I shall explain.
Now, of all germs, I'll be using a virus as an example, just because it sounds scarier. Let's use a rabies virus. Why rabies? Because it has a vaccine to stop it, but has a death rate of 100%. A simpler explanation is, if you failed to get yourself a shot after being bitten by a rabid animal and the symptoms have begun, you're dead. Like, totally dead, unless you're lucky enough like the very VERY few people who survived (not without consequences, including huge hospital bills), and by few I mean less than ten, compared to the 55,000 people who died from rabies each year.
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| You wouldn't want to get rabies. |
So, say some mad scientists modify the virus' genes. They edited the genes so the virus are resistant against vaccines. Then, he released the virus to the environment. Then, you're doomed. Wait, no. Kill all the infected dogs, cats, and other animals close to home, and we'll be safe! Hmm... how about making the virus spread not only by animal bites, like say, by air too?
Thing is, once we know which genes are responsible for what and how to edit DNA or RNA of germs, we can technically create a super strong and resistant virus that can create doom situation. Easier said than done, I know. It would be more efficient to use already existing and dangerous germs.
Wait, what? There already are germs that can be used for terrorism?
CDC has a list of agents that can be used for bioterrorism. It's not that long (thankfully) so you don't have to be paranoid. (Sorry if I make you paranoid) However, the crime is still a threat.
Diseases has an incubation period. Incubation period is the time span between infection and symptoms' appearance. For example, rabies' incubation period in humans is generally 20-60 days, according to Oxford Journals. Incubation period means that it takes time before anyone noticed an attack has been launched, and the culprit can spread the agent far and wide as needed during this time span, since no suspicions will be raised. (See more here)
Actually, according to this, an attack doesn't need to be fatal to be effective. In fact, if the attack looks to dangerous, it may cause alarm which slows down the attack. The goal is to cause panic and distress, not necessarily killing. The best way to do it would be to strain the health care system, since there are limited amount of isolation beds, medicine, and other needed supplies. Furthermore, nonfatal diseases would cause less alarm, and thus the victim is less likely to be quarantined. The agent can then spread easier.
So yeah, my end of the world scenario might be waaay too dramatic. It won't be as easy as buying a ticket to a zombie apocalypse movie, but it's not an impossible situation. One day, we might be able to create a catastrophe by doing some extreme lab work. Please don't ever do that, though. Nobody will like it.
I hope no one is being paranoid here. I kinda have some fun writing this. Some distraction it was though... haven't done all of my homework yet, heheh.... Well, I'm not as awesome as the captain, but I hope you enjoyed this.
Now, I'll be back to my homework... see ya!
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