Citation

Durodié B. Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 2004; 15(3): 264-268.

Affiliation

International Centre for Security Analysis, King's College London, 138-142 Strand, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom. bill.durodie@kcl.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Current Biology)

DOI

10.1016/j.copbio.2004.04.001

PMID

15193338

Abstract

The possibility of bioterrorism has been met by significant financial outlays to map out public health responses. These have included comprehensive audits of potential agents, as well as exploring mechanisms for counteracting their impact. Psychological intervention and communication have been identified as key areas requiring further work, as fear of infection could pose a greater strain on social resources than the pathogens themselves. Bioterrorism provides a powerful metaphor for élite fears of social corrosion from within. Accordingly, a broader historical and cultural perspective is required to understand why individuals and societies feel so vulnerable to what remain largely speculative scenarios.

Language: en