Article Critique

Article Critique

Introduction

This essay is based on an article critique based on Bioterrorism. I have selected the article “Bioterrorism, public health, and civil liberties” which is written by Annas, G. J. in 2002 and can is published in . New England Journal of Medicine, 346(17). The article clearly states that Bioterrorism is a kind of terrorism which involves the release of various biological agents intentionally. These agents are in the form of various bacteria, viruses and toxins and they can also exist in human form. The weapons which is called bioterrorism is an attractive weapons for many as the biological agents contained in the weapon are very easy to obtain and inexpensive. They can be easily disseminated and they can cause fear among people. It is very evident that biological agents can cause physical damage beyond our imagination (Annas, 2002).

Annas comprehensively describes in his article that although the risk of bioterrorism is currently considered low due to training and detection of such situations. The role of public health services in recognition of this phenomenon is essential, and the relation of reference laboratories for prompt diagnosis with primary care services and specialized for bidirectional communication is essential. To mitigate the most of the effects of an attack of this kind, it is necessary to have a rapid diagnosis, a confirmation and active actions at different scales, including the storage of specific drugs and the development of new drugs and vaccines.

Discussion and Analysis

I believe that this article is well researched article as it fulfills all the criteria of effective article. The subject of the article is very sensitive so author has quoted the researchers of other researchers as well. The article depicts that after the attacks of 9/11, much legislation has been passed but it failed to improve the conditions of the state. The proposed model of state emergency health powers act could not improve the health conditions or could give a response to bioterrorism. The primary problem with the response to the issue of bioterrorism is not inadequate legal authority but is due to the fact that health departments do not have sufficient and adequate political and economic support (Annas, 2002).

Moreover, the analysis of the article revealed that the use of biological weapons globally and today is not a theoretical threat but a reality is that its destructive potential is extremely high. The agents of bioterrorism includes Anthrax bacillus infection ...