Bioterrorism : an update with a focus on anthrax.

The current problem with anthrax, a disease of antiquity with a reputation that has exceeded its actual impact on human health, has brought into reality the meaning of bioterrorism. No matter how prepared a population may be, bioterrorism cannot be prevented. The first case or cases will occur and will serve to alert the authorities to initiate the preexisting plan to limit the quantitation of the bioterrorist event.

Although much effort may have been expended in developing a response to a bioterroristic event, it is likely that deficiencies will become apparent as the plan is implemented, partly because some aspects of any plan will vary depending on the agent involved. This is portrayed by the current bioterroristic anthrax event. Although not the preferred method of testing a plan, lessons will be learned from the current activities, necessitating corrections and additions to the plans. This will strengthen our ability to respond more effectively and efficiently to another bioterroristic attack.