An Anthrax epidemic in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis has during 2001 hit the international headlines through its use in the U.S.A. by terrorists. The bacillum, which causes the disease known as Anthrax, is an excellent weapon to the terrorist's criminal mind since the micro-organism is particularly resistant to environmental changes, withstanding dry heat, and persisting for years in dry earth. Since the infection has become a rare entity in most developed countries, an outbreak of cases particularly in low risk individuals is easily identified with terrorist action. The uncertainty arising from any terrorist action, together with the fear of being exposed to a potentially lethal infection, easily results in fear, alarm and panic in the developed world thus achieving the terrorist's primary scope.