|
This article originally published in June 2007, describes an inability to track human carriers of biological diseases. Originally based on the now infamous TB patient, we are faced with a question: What if a terrorist organization were to infect our nation with a group of human bio-invaders?
By Anthony M. Davis
The recent Tuberculosis (TB) incident brings to light potential methods of inducing biological havoc to innocent citizens. In this incident, the patient claims he didn't know he could be contagious. Yet, in another interview, his wife clearly describes how her husband felt he would die if forced to stay in Europe. Perhaps the patient should not have traveled in the first place rather than place many others around him in jeopardy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is a certain element of trust that the patient would not intentionally enter in situations where others could be exposed:
“Normally, when someone has tuberculosis, we influence them through a covenant of trust so that they don't put themselves in situations where they could potentially expose others. In this case, the patient had compelling personal reasons for traveling and made the decision to go ahead and meet those personal responsibilities.” (CDC)
In this case, there was no trust or willingness by the patient to be under any legal or moral authority that differed from pure selfishness. What this brings to light is the inability to effectively track or recognize human carriers of biological diseases. We know terrorists are interested in biological terrorism. We also know dying in the name of Jihad isn't a problem for them. An example would be Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever.
According the CDC between 1976 and 2004 there were 1847 reported cases; of those 1286 deaths. While the CDC has done a good job of providing information regarding diseases and provides updates to various outbreaks. (See http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/outbreaks/index.htm)
The early stages of a deadly disease may not be readily recognizable from a common cold, allergies or flu. To her credit, Dr. Julie Gerberding, the CDC Director has vowed to aggressively review and pursue legal, regulatory and statutory authorities to ensure safety of our public health system. Yet, I can assure you that some specific groups seeking to protect civil liberties at all cost regardless of the greater good for our nation will hamper our national security.
Given the recent TB incident, look at the economic cost of tracking down passengers who may have become infected by one individual. Given the Ebola scenario noted earlier, international airline travel could be halted, lives lost and the economy severely impacted. This is the world we live in. We need to take proactive measures necessary and support regulations that will do so.
|
