Smallpox planning shouldn’t be startling
The Boy Scott motto is “Be prepared. That’s exactly what health department officials have in mind by encouraging volunteers to sign up now for duty at a possible smallpox vaccination clinic — a reality we pray never becomes necessary.
The potential damage is frightening, but we can’t deny the possibility does exist of the smallpox virus, or another fatal disease, being released by terrorist in the United States.
This could happen in a major U.S. city, or it could strike hometown America. It doesn’t always have to be “the other guy.” One day it could be Warren County.
That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry. It shows clear thinking and responsible planning to have an established course of action in place in case of emergency.
Some of us may remember, or may have heard, about the bomb shelter craze which started in the 1950s. Smallpox vaccination clinics are what we’re facing in today’s hostile climate. In 2003, we’re facing the invisible weapon of germ warfare.
No one can dispute the fact it’s best to be braced for the worst just in case a worst-case scenario strikes. The reason the framework for these clinics is being put in place now is to prevent the need to panic.
Since there hasn’t been a case of smallpox in the United States in over 50 years — and since attention is pointed squarely at the virus — it should be easy enough to spot. But there’s no telling how many people could have been contaminated in the four-day incubation period.
Thus, it’s necessary to immunize as many people as possible in a very short time. The task of immunizing 5,000 people a day for 10 days will not be easy. It will require a monumental volunteer effort and we’re confident the fine citizens of Warren County will rise to the challenge.
The efforts of health department officials can’t be overlooked. Since this could be a potentially crippling outbreak, it needs to be one addressed with a fair dose of forward thinking.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If Warren County can mobilize its smallpox clinic at a moment’s notice there’s a chance it could save lives.
There’s no reason to panic or go overboard with concern. The threat of a smallpox attack does exist and we should be aware of its presence, but it’s reassuring to know procedures are already being put in place to stave off damage in the event of the worst.
If you have the time or professional expertise to be of service to the health department, the Standard encourages you to lend a hand in case of emergency.