Word: smallpox
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...terrorist who wanted to launch a smallpox attack, however, would probably have a very hard time getting hold of the virus. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980. Officially, only two stores of the virus exist, for research purposes, in secure locations in the U.S. and Russia. There may be covert stashes in Iraq, North Korea and Russia, but these countries would be reluctant to release them, fearing a smallpox epidemic among their own unvaccinated people. Even if a terrorist were successful in obtaining the virus, his plans could backfire: smallpox is so contagious that the first victims are likely...
...Governors that question, then duck. Governor Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho says that the adjutant-general of his state National Guard is not allowed to share intelligence with him. Governor Frank Keating of Oklahoma, a former FBI agent who took part this summer in a disastrous war game of a smallpox attack, says he was "stunned" at the level of ignorance displayed by the feds about what goes on at a state and local level. And Philadelphia police chief John Timoney says, "The feds actually think that the locals, you can't trust them, they're corrupt, they'll sell information...
...response is local," says Keating. "You have to have doctors and nurses and emergency services and police and National Guard who are trained to respond." At present, there are huge holes in that training. Keating freely admits that "doctors and nurses in my state know nothing about anthrax and smallpox...
Extra bottled water 31% 69% Extra food supplies 30% 70% Vaccines for anthrax or smallpox, if available 25% 74% A gun or rifle 22% 77% An electric generator 18% 81% A gas mask...
...masks and chemical suits for the whole family; bemused neighbors inquire whether they are designer label. At least one Hollywood celebrity asks his security consultant about liquidating assets and burying gold in his backyard. OUTBREAK TRAINING reads the sign on the door of the Iowa Public Health Department. Smallpox? Or chicken...