Violet N Pinto
Department of Community Medicine, Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Nerul (E), Navi Mumbai, India.
DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.107256

ABSTRACT

The global events of the last two decades indicate that the threat of biological warfare is not a myth, but a harsh reality. The successive outbreaks caused by newly recognized and resurgent pathogens and the risk that high-consequence pathogens might be used as bioterrorism agents amply demonstrate the need to enhance capacity in clinical and public health management of highly infectious diseases. This review article provides a concise overview of bioterrorism, the agents used, and measures to counteract it, with a relevant note on India’s current scenario of surveillance systems, laboratory response network, and the need for preparedness.

Keywords: Alertn, bioterrorism, healthsector.