Bioterrorism and Smallpox: Policies, Practices, And Implications for Social Work‪.‬

With the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks and public angst subsequent to anthrax dissemination, fears of terrorist attacks have escalated dramatically in the United States. A cabinet-level Office of Homeland Security was created, and a system of identifying the level of terrorist threat from rogue states and terrorist groups was developed. Prompted by bioterrorism fears, in spring 2002 the Bush administration engaged in planning to offer smallpox vaccinations to the entire population of the United States, a decision that produced widespread criticism from public health experts. Subsequently, this plan was reduced to 10 million, and after the Iraq war, calls for widespread vaccination abated, at least temporarily. This article addresses the need for sound policy and rational actions in the face of bioterrorist threats. Characteristics of smallpox, anthrax, botulism, and plague are presented. Then, given the national and international attention smallpox has received as a likely means of attack, the article presents a thorough discussion of the disease, the historical and current risks of smallpox and smallpox vaccination, and the significance of effective prevention and treatment strategies. The importance of bioterrorism policies and practices that best protect the public's health is emphasized. Of particular importance is the need for social workers to obtain accurate information, to educate clients, and to advocate for sound anti-bioterrorism policies and practices.