Anthrax terror attack USA prepares

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 12 Mar 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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The USA is preparing for a possible anthrax attack. It has ordered anthrax vaccines, enough to protect 25 million people. This is a contingency plan in case there is a terrorist attack.

The American government has already prepared the nation for a possible attack with smallpox spores; it has enough smallpox vaccines for the whole population.

The terrorists which claimed to be responsible for the Madrid bombing yesterday say they are going to bring a 'black wind of death' to the USA.

By the year 2006 the USA will be in a position to immunise everyone in the New York and Washington areas.

The vaccines are being supplied by VaxGen of Brisbane, California, USA, and Avecia Ltd, based in Manchester, England.

The first batch will be for 2,000,000 vaccines. They will then have to bid for larger amounts, which could be for 75 million vaccines (cover for 25 million people). The total cost will be $500 million.

If there were a terrorist attack, say experts, the whole population in that area would have to be vaccinated. The population would be protected for years. Apparently, the spores can stay in the air for several months, some say even years.

Anthrax is a frightening terrorist weapon. It kills 30-50% of people who are exposed to it, regardless of whether they get medical help.