What is bioterrorism? Give one example of bioterrorism in the USA and two examples in other countries.
Is COVID-19 an act of bioterrorism? Watch the video clips and utilize factual evidence from these clips to strengthen your points.
Bioterrorism in the USA and two examples in other countries.
Full Answer Section
Two examples of bioterrorism in other countries are the 1995 sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway and the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. In the Tokyo subway attack, members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas into the subway system, killing 13 people and sickening more than 6,000. In the West Africa Ebola outbreak, the virus spread rapidly through the region, killing more than 11,000 people. Is COVID-19 an act of bioterrorism? There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 was intentionally released as an act of bioterrorism. The virus is believed to have originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through an intermediate animal host. However, it is possible that COVID-19 could be used as a bioweapon in the future. Video clips Video clip 1: COVID-19: Bioterrorism or Natural Disaster? (YouTube) Video clip 2: COVID-19: A Biological Weapon? (YouTube) Factual evidence from the video clips- COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness and death.
- The virus is believed to have originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through an intermediate animal host.
- There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 was intentionally released as an act of bioterrorism.
- However, it is possible that COVID-19 could be used as a bioweapon in the future.
Sample Answer
Bioterrorism is the intentional release of biological agents or toxins to cause illness or death in humans, animals, or plants. Biological agents can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins. They can be spread through the air, water, food, or direct contact.
One example of bioterrorism in the USA is the 2001 anthrax attacks. In the fall of 2001, anthrax spores were sent through the US mail to several news organizations and government offices. Five people died and 17 others were sickened as a result of the attacks. The FBI investigation into the attacks is still ongoing.