SciDoc Publishers | Open Access | Science Journals | Media Partners

Abstract The United States is ill prepared to detect and deal with an outbreak of smallpox due to inherent security vulnerabilities. This article analyzes smallpox’s mode of contraction and highlights its historical significance. It then examines the possibilities for disease reemergence and evaluates American bio security programs and protocols to counteract that threat. The discussion then focuses on the probable modes of entry into the United States and makes recommendations on how to prevent or contain an outbreak. This discussion is important due to the escalating threat of terrorism and it may shed valuable light on how to focus bio defense efforts while simultaneously increasing public awareness of the smallpox threat