Login With Google
Anthrax
Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, is the source of the infectious illness anthrax.
The spores that harbour the anthrax bacteria are found in soils naturally.Animals, both domestic and wild, are frequently impacted worldwide.
If people come into contact with diseased animals or contaminated animal products, they could become ill with anthrax. Animals and humans alike can contract a serious infection from anthrax.
Skin sores, vomiting, and shock are examples of signs and symptoms.
For those who are at a high risk of infection, the anthrax immunisation is advised.
Anthrax that is inhaled is extremely dangerous and potentially lethal. In the developed world, anthrax is quite uncommon. The fact that the bacteria have been utilised in bioterrorism assaults in the US, however, means that the illness still poses a threat.
The American government's disease control agencies have classified Bacillus anthracis as a Category A threat, which is a designation for potentially deadly substances that endanger national security.
A virus, protozoan, bacterium, parasite, or fungus that can be intentionally modified into a weapon and used against other people during conflict is referred to as a bioweapon.
Pathogens and poisons that reproduce on their own can be modified to become deadly bioweapons. There are now an estimated 1,200 different types of bioagents that have either already been weaponized or have the potential to be.
Over 500 million infectious disease deaths have occurred in the last century, with bioweapons being largely to blame for these deaths.
The British Army utilised smallpox against Native American Indians in the French and Indian War in 1763, marking the first time viruses and poisons were used in combat.
Another instance of Germany using biological weapons against its adversaries occurred during World War I. Although the effect was not large, the act itself opened the door for the potential use of bioweapons in the future.
Source: The Hindu