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Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Published in: Medical Microbiology and Immunology 3/2005

01-05-2005 | Opinion

Bioterrorism: is it a real threat?

Authors: René Gottschalk, Wolfgang Preiser

Published in: Medical Microbiology and Immunology | Issue 3/2005

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Abstract

The Geneva Protocol of 1925 commits the signatory nations to refraining from the use of biological weapons. However, the terrorist assaults of September 2001 and, subsequently, the anthrax-containing letters are cause for great concerns: new threats to the security of nations are expected, as terrorist organizations seem to increasingly explore novel ways of spreading terror.
In this context, naturally emerging diseases such as SARS, monkeypox or West Nile fever assume new importance because it is difficult to distinguish between natural epidemics and possible bioweapon assaults. Great efforts on the part of governments and public health authorities are necessary to counteract these threats.
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Metadata
Title
Bioterrorism: is it a real threat?
Authors
René Gottschalk
Wolfgang Preiser
Publication date
01-05-2005
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Medical Microbiology and Immunology / Issue 3/2005
Print ISSN: 0300-8584
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1831
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00430-004-0228-z

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