Ghost Writer
10th June 2003, 12:47
Here is a Newsmax story that evaluates the possible weaponization of the orthopox virus know as monkeypox. It is know that Russia developed this strain in the world's most extensive bioweapons program. Naturally occuring cases have been known to exist in Africa, usually caused by exposure to infected animals. Some weapons inspectors are worried that Iraq had been developing this in addition to the camelpox they were known to be working with. Recently, there has been an outbreak in Wisconsin. Coincidence or consequence? What materials do you suppose Saddam had been maniufacturing in his mobile production facilities?
source: Monkeypox Latest Bioweapon Lookout (http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/6/9/163420.shtml)
Other related links:
WHO fact sheet (http://www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact161.html)
Human Monkeypox -- Kasai Oriental, Zaire, 1996-1997; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00048673.htm)
Outbreak of Human Monkeypox, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1996 to 1997; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no3/hutin.htm)
Pet Prairie Dogs Suspected in U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak; Scientific American (http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=000DE77F-E6B8-1EE4-A6B8809EC588EEDF)
Fox News (http://gopusa.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.pl?act=ST;f=1;t=4054)
What do you think? I think the determination of whether or not this outbreak is linked to WMD should be assessed based upon the rate of human to human transmission. Although recent cases in Africa have demonstrated higher rates of human to human transmission, it is suspected that the genetic framework of the disease may have been altered in order to achive a much higher K-factor. If this thing spreads like wildfire, we may be able to make the determination that this was a deliberate act against the United States. This story is definitely one to watch, as it represents probably the most significant threat, which our intelligence community has been working day and night to prevent. This could get interesting.
source: Monkeypox Latest Bioweapon Lookout (http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/6/9/163420.shtml)
Other related links:
WHO fact sheet (http://www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact161.html)
Human Monkeypox -- Kasai Oriental, Zaire, 1996-1997; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00048673.htm)
Outbreak of Human Monkeypox, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1996 to 1997; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no3/hutin.htm)
Pet Prairie Dogs Suspected in U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak; Scientific American (http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=000DE77F-E6B8-1EE4-A6B8809EC588EEDF)
Fox News (http://gopusa.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.pl?act=ST;f=1;t=4054)
What do you think? I think the determination of whether or not this outbreak is linked to WMD should be assessed based upon the rate of human to human transmission. Although recent cases in Africa have demonstrated higher rates of human to human transmission, it is suspected that the genetic framework of the disease may have been altered in order to achive a much higher K-factor. If this thing spreads like wildfire, we may be able to make the determination that this was a deliberate act against the United States. This story is definitely one to watch, as it represents probably the most significant threat, which our intelligence community has been working day and night to prevent. This could get interesting.