Warning Issued That Smallpox Can Make A Comeback Either Via An Accidental Leak Or Via A Bioterrorism Act!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Apr 14, 2024 8 months, 1 week, 2 days, 9 hours, 19 minutes ago
Medical News: Smallpox, a disease with a notorious history of causing immense human suffering and death, was officially declared eradicated in 1980. However, recent warnings and reports suggest that this once-vanquished scourge could make a comeback, either through accidental leaks or deliberate acts of bioterrorism. This
Medical News report delves into the implications of such a resurgence, the current state of preparedness, and the necessary actions to mitigate the risks posed by smallpox.
Small Pox Can Make A Comeback Either Via An Accidental Leak Or
Via A Bioterrorism Act
Smallpox: Eradication and Risks of Resurgence
The eradication of smallpox stands as a monumental achievement in the annals of public health. Yet, the specter of its return looms ominously, fueled by developments in biotechnology, global interconnectedness, and the potential for intentional misuse. The "Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures" report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) serves as a warning, urging vigilance and proactive measures.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27652/future-state-of-smallpox-medical-countermeasures
Dr Zhilong Yang, an associate professor in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences' Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, who is a prominent voice in the field, underscores the need for preparedness, drawing parallels with recent pandemics like COVID-19 and outbreaks of related viruses such as mpox. The interconnectedness of diseases within the poxvirus family necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
Understanding the Risks: Accidental Leaks and Biowarfare
The report identifies two primary avenues through which smallpox could stage a comeback: accidental leaks from secure laboratories and deliberate acts of bioterrorism. While current safeguards mitigate the risk of accidental releases from established repositories, the proliferation of genetic data and advances in synthetic biology raise concerns about the potential for clandestine re-creation of the smallpox virus.
The ramifications of a smallpox outbreak, whether natural or engineered, extend far beyond immediate health impacts. Socioeconomic disruptions, strained healthcare systems, and global panic underscore the urgency of bolstering preparedness efforts.
While in the United States, only two labs i.e. the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Laboratory for Applied Microbiology at Koltsovo in Russia - have official collections of the virus that causes smallpox, making the chance of an accidental "leak" low, there are many labs across the world that still holds samples unofficially and without any declaration.
It is also believed that the U.S Military, the Chinese government, The British authorities, the Iranian government as well as count
ries like Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Afghanistan are conducting covert experiments on smallpox viruses as potential bio weapons!
Imperative for Enhanced Readiness and Medical Countermeasures
The NASEM report advocates for a multifaceted approach to enhance U.S. readiness and response capabilities. Key areas of focus include:
-Diagnostics: Develop advanced diagnostic tools capable of early and accurate detection, differentiation from related viruses, and widespread deployment across diverse settings.
-Vaccines: Innovate safer, more efficacious vaccines that can be rapidly deployed, ensuring broad accessibility and compatibility with diverse populations.
-Therapeutics: Expand therapeutic options with diverse mechanisms of action, routes of administration, and targets, mitigating the risk of treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes.
The Role of Research and Technology
Live variola virus, essential for research into smallpox and related diseases, necessitates a nuanced approach balancing scientific advancement with biosecurity imperatives. As gene editing, DNA synthesis, and artificial intelligence evolve, decision-makers confront the dual challenge of harnessing technological benefits while mitigating potential risks, including bioterrorism and unintended consequences.
Emerging technologies offer unprecedented insights into virus evolution, transmission dynamics, and therapeutic efficacy. However, stringent risk-benefit analyses and robust bioethics frameworks are imperative to navigate this complex landscape responsibly.
Global Collaboration and Preparedness
The interconnected nature of infectious disease threats mandates international collaboration and solidarity. The report emphasizes the interconnectedness of global readiness and response capabilities, advocating for bolstered international capacity, information sharing, and equitable access to medical countermeasures.
In the event of a smallpox emergency, the effectiveness of U.S. response hinges not only on domestic preparedness but also on coordinated international efforts to detect, contain, and mitigate transmission risks.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Against Smallpox Resurgence
The eradication of smallpox stands as a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration. However, complacency in the face of evolving threats is a luxury societies cannot afford. The resurgence of smallpox, whether through inadvertent leaks or malicious intent, underscores the imperative for continuous vigilance, research innovation, and global cooperation.
By investing in robust diagnostics, next-generation vaccines, diversified therapeutics, and adaptable response strategies, nations can fortify their defenses against the reemergence of smallpox and related infectious diseases. The lessons gleaned from past pandemics and outbreaks serve as a blueprint for navigating the complex landscape of emerging biological threats, safeguarding public health, and preserving global security.
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