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The September 11 attacks have shocked the world, led to the American-British alliance bombing terrorist targets in Afghanistan and the fear of biological and chemical weapons.

Although we oppose terrorism, the perception of Muslims and Non-Muslims about the bombing of Afghanistan differs. Then, people especially Americans think of biological and chemical weapons. This is understandable.

Since September 11, there have been three cases of anthrax in
Florida, U.S.A., with one death. Is it a terrorist act? According to a
report, three quarters of the American hospitals are not prepared for
anthrax infection.

U.S.A. is worried about biological and chemical warfare. She must. On the other hand, Malaysia does not pay much attention to it. We ought to.

PREVENTION

Since yesterday, the Malaysian Health Ministry has asked people to avoid taking half-cooked meat as this can contain bacteria such as anthrax. The poisonous bacterium is found in soil. Farm or wild animals may be infected. Patients contract it through skin contact, breathing and eating infected meat.

Wearing gloves and masks is a good habit for farmers in animal husbandry. We must encourage hygiene.

In my 34 years of medical practice, I have never seen a patient with anthrax infection. I only see it in books or National Geographic documentaries such as on animals in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. So, this is a rare disease. But, the horror of the infection has impressed.

Diseases such as anthrax or smallpox kill. Those who breathe in anthrax germ may die within two days unless treated by antibiotics early.

SMALLPOX

The United Nations introduced smallpox vaccinations worldwide, succeeding in the eradication of the disease. Now, smallpox virus is kept in laboratories such as those in Beijing, Tokyo, London, Paris, Moscow and Washington. Meanwhile, young people do not have vaccination. They are susceptible to smallpox.

Can terrorists obtain the virus? If Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists can attack the World Trade Centre, New York, and the Pentagon, Washington, what is to stop them? They may get hold of anthrax or smallpox.

Although it is not easy to culture anthrax or smallpox, terrorists may
overcome the difficulty. So, biological agents such as anthrax and smallpox or chemical agents like cyanide can be used to destroy people. The Malaysian Defence Ministry says that it has a special unit to deal with these agents.

We do know that the Malaysian Government has not publicized its work to prevent biological and chemical warfare in the country. Had it done so much, it would have flooded the media. Thus, we believe that it should form a task force to handle this type of warfare.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw