Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response in Poland: Prevention, Surveillance, and Mitigation Planning.

OBJECTIVES: Biological weapons are one of the oldest weapons of mass destruction used by man. Their use has not only determined the outcome of battles, but also influenced the fate of entire civilizations. Although the use of biological weapons agents in a terrorist attack is currently unlikely, all services responsible for the surveillance and removal of epidemiological threats must have clear guidelines and emergency response plans. METHODS: In the face of the numerous threats appearing in the world, it has become necessary to put the main emphasis on modernizing, securing, and maintaining structures in the field of medicine which are prepared for unforeseen crises and situations related to the use of biological agents. RESULTS: This article presents Poland's current preparation to take action in the event of a bioterrorist threat. The study presents both the military aspect and procedures for dealing with contamination. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, as in other European Union countries fighting terrorism, preparations should be made to defend against biological attacks, improve the flow of information on the European security system, strengthen research centers, train staff, create observation units and vaccination centers, as well as prepare hospitals for the hospitalization of patients-potential victims of bioterrorist attacks.

Dangerous Pathogens as a Potential Problem for Public Health.

Pathogens are various organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can cause severe illnesses to their hosts. Throughout history, pathogens have accompanied human populations and caused various epidemics. One of the most significant outbreaks was the Black Death, which occurred in the 14th century and caused the death of one-third of Europe's population. Pathogens have also been studied for their use as biological warfare agents by the former Soviet Union, Japan, and the USA. Among bacteria and viruses, there are high priority agents that have a significant impact on public health. Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, Variola virus, Filoviruses (Ebola, Marburg), Arenoviruses (Lassa), and influenza viruses are included in this group of agents. Outbreaks and infections caused by them might result in social disruption and panic, which is why special operations are needed for public health preparedness. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria that significantly impede treatment and recovery of patients are also valid threats. Furthermore, recent events related to the massive spread of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are an example of how virus-induced diseases cannot be ignored. The impact of outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, have had far-reaching consequences beyond public health. The economic losses due to lockdowns are difficult to estimate, but it would take years to restore countries to pre-outbreak status. For countries affected by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), their health systems have been overwhelmed, resulting in an increase in the mortality rate caused by diseases or injuries. Furthermore, outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, will induce serious, wide-ranging (and possibly long-lasting) psychological problems among, not only health workers, but ordinary citizens (this is due to isolation, quarantine, etc.). The aim of this paper is to present the most dangerous pathogens, as well as general characterizations, mechanisms of action, and treatments.

Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Advances in Science and Technology: Exploring the Potential of Qualitative Frameworks.

Continuing rapid advances in science and technology both pose potential risks and offer potential benefits for the effective implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The lack of commonly accepted methods for assessing relevant risks and benefits present significant challenges to building common understandings that could support policy choices. This article argues that qualitative frameworks can provide the basis to structure BWC discussions about potential risks and benefits, reveal areas of agreement and disagreement, and provide a basis for continuing dialogue. It draws on the results of a workshop held in Geneva during the 2019 BWC Meetings of Experts. A diverse group of international experts were given the opportunity to apply 2 qualitative frameworks developed specifically to assess potential biosecurity concerns arising from emerging science and technology to BWC-relevant case examples. Participants discussed how such frameworks might be adapted and put into action to help support the BWC. They also began a discussion of how a comparable framework to assess potential benefits could be developed.

The 2019 Global Health Security Index (GHSI) and its implications for New Zealand and Pacific regional health security.

It is important for all countries to secure themselves against infectious disease threats, including potential global catastrophic biological risks. The Global Health Security Index (GHSI), first published in 2019, is a comprehensive, objective assessment of health security capabilities across 195 States Parties to the International Health Regulations. The GHSI is a broader assessment than the World Health Organization Joint External Evaluation and emphasises public documentation of preparedness as well as sustainable capabilities. New Zealand scored 54/100 on the GHSI (35th in the world). But also worryingly, the range of scores for New Zealand's Pacific neighbours was 19.2-27.8, highlighting potential regional vulnerabilities. Clearly, the New Zealand Government needs to do more to ensure its own optimal preparedness for global biological threats, and document these preparations to assure the international community. But it should also provide additional overseas development assistance (bringing this assistance up to 0.7% of GNI as per UN recommendations) and work with Pacific Nations to enhance health security in the region.

Forensic Approaches to Detect Possible Agents of Bioterror.

Many biological agents have been strategic pathogenic agents throughout history. Some have even changed history as a consequence of early discoveries of their use as weapons of war. Many of these bioagents can be easily isolated from the environment, and some have recently been genetically manipulated to become more pathogenic for biowarfare. However, it is difficult to determine accidental outbreaks of disease from intentional exposures. In this review, we examine how molecular tools have been used in combination with forensic research to resolve cases of unusual outbreaks and trace the source of the biocrime. New technologies are also discussed in terms of their crucial role impacting forensic science. The anthrax event of 2001 serves as an example of the real threat of bioterrorism and the employment of bioagents as weapons against a population. The Amerithrax investigation has given us lessons of the highest resolution possible with new technologies capable of distinguishing isolates at the base-pair level of sensitivity. In addition, we discuss the implications of proper sanitation to avoid waterborne diseases. The use of new methods in forensic science and health-related surveillance will be invaluable in determining the source of any new disease outbreak, and these data will allow for a quick response to any type of public health threat, whether accidental or purposely initiated.

Preparing for biological threats: Addressing the needs of pregnant women.

Intentional release of infectious agents and biological weapons to cause illness and death has the potential to greatly impact pregnant women and their fetuses. We review what is known about the maternal and fetal effects of seven biological threats: Bacillus anthracis (anthrax); variola virus (smallpox); Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulism); Burkholderia mallei (glanders) and Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis); Yersinia pestis (plague); Francisella tularensis (tularemia); and Rickettsia prowazekii (typhus). Evaluating the potential maternal, fetal, and infant consequences of an intentional release of an infectious agent requires an assessment of several key issues: (1) are pregnant women more susceptible to infection or illness compared to the general population?; (2) are pregnant women at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, and mortality compared to the general population?; (3) does infection or illness during pregnancy place women, the fetus, or the infant at increased risk for adverse outcomes and how does this affect clinical management?; and (4) are the medical countermeasures recommended for the general population safe and effective during pregnancy? These issues help frame national guidance for the care of pregnant women during an intentional release of a biological threat. Birth Defects Research 109:391-398, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

United Nations Secretary-General's Mechanism.

The credibility and legitimacy of the United Nations Secretary-General's Mechanism (UNSGM) for investigating the alleged use of biological weapons relies in part on qualified experts trained to undertake fact-finding missions using an empirical scientific approach. As observed in the 2013 investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, this mechanism can be an effective tool in the verification of and as a deterrent against the use of chemical and biological weapons. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, supporting the UNSGM and providing experts for its roster for missions. As the majority of biological agents are of animal origin, the expertise of the OIE in this area, and its involvement in the UNSGM, are of paramount importance. Since 2014, experts from the OIE have participated in relevant training and are available for deployment to investigate any alleged use of a biological weapon anywhere in the world if the UNSGM were triggered.

La crédibilité et la légitimité du Mécanisme du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies visant à enquêter rapidement sur les allégations relatives à l'emploi possible d'armes biologiques reposent en partie sur le travail d'experts qualifiés et formés aux enquêtes d'établissement des faits, qui font appel à une méthode scientifique empirique. Comme cela a été constaté lors de l'enquête de 2013 concernant l'emploi allégué d'armes chimiques en République arabe syrienne, ce mécanisme peut constituer un outil efficace de vérification et de dissuasion en matière d'utilisation d'armes chimiques et biologiques. L'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE) a conclu un Mémorandum d'accord avec le Bureau des affaires de désarmement des Nations Unies, par lequel l'OIE s'engage à soutenir le Mécanisme du Secrétaire général et à mettre à disposition des experts pour participer aux missions. Les agents biologiques étant majoritairement d'origine animale, les compétences de l'OIE dans ce domaine et sa contribution au Mécanisme du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies sont d'une importance capitale. Depuis 2014, les experts de l'OIE ont participé aux formations requises ; en cas d'activation du mécanisme, ils sont donc opérationnels pour prendre part aux missions d'enquête sur l'emploi allégué d'armes biologiques partout dans le monde.

La credibilidad y legitimidad del Mecanismo del Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas para la Investigación del Presunto Empleo de Armas Químicas, Biológicas o Toxínicas reposa en parte en la participación de expertos cualificados y formados para llevar a cabo misiones de esclarecimiento de los hechos empleando métodos científicos experimentales. Como dejó patente la investigación sobre el presunto uso de armas químicas en la República Árabe Siria realizada en 2013, este mecanismo puede constituir una eficaz herramienta de verificación y un factor disuasorio del uso de armas químicas o biológicas. La Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE) tiene suscrito con la Oficina de Asuntos de Desarme de las Naciones Unidas un memorando de entendimiento en virtud del cual presta apoyo al Mecanismo del Secretario General y proporciona expertos que figuran en la lista de especialistas llamados a participar en sus misiones. Toda vez que la mayoría de los agentes biológicos son de origen animal, la competencia técnica de la OIE en este ámbito, así como su participación en el Mecanismo, revisten una importancia capital. Desde 2014, expertos de la OIE han participado en actividades de formación sobre el tema y están disponibles para desplegarse en cualquier lugar del mundo e investigar todo caso de presunta utilización de un arma biológica en cuanto se active el Mecanismo del Secretario General.

Federal Funding for Health Security in FY2017.

This latest article in the Federal Funding for Health Security series assesses FY2017 US government funding in 5 domains critical to strengthening health security: biosecurity, radiological and nuclear security, chemical security, pandemic influenza and emerging infectious disease, and multiple-hazard and general preparedness.

[Not Available]. / Abordando la problemática de las armas biológicas en el siglo XXI: el papel de una red de prevención 2.0.

The strategic use of disease in warfare has long proven a menace to humankind; however, the changing nature of both science and security has the potential to encourage the assimilation of new (and old) biological weapons. This short article begins by outlining some of these changes before considering the means and measures in place to deal with the challenge of biological weapons. It proceeds to outline a Web of Prevention 2.0, comprised of mutually reinforcing strands that are intended to form a framework for a more holistic approach to dealing with the challenge of biological weapons around the globe in the 21st century.