Understanding Biological Emergencies

This book investigates the links between the main sources of biological emergencies and presents a comprehensive policy framework that seeks to achieve the ultimate goal of biological security.

The late Paula Stamps Duston was Professor Emeritus and Graduate Program Director, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, USA. She had 20 years' experience of teaching and working with students, doctors, nurses, public health and public safety professionals to increase their understanding of bioterrorism and the emergency preparedness system. She was author of five single-authored books, including Analyzing Form, Function and Financing of the US Health Care System (2016). She passed away in 2024.

Part I: Setting The Context Chapter 1 Should We Be Worried? Chapter 2: Using Nature to Build A Weapon Chapter 3 Science, Society and Safety Part II: What Can We Learn From the Past? Chapter 4: Scientists, Culture, and Ideology Chapter 5: From the Lab to the Battlefield-and Beyond Part III: Select Agents: Yesterday and Today Chapter 6 Keeping Track of Risky Pathogens Chapter 7 Most Common: Anthrax Chapter 8 The Most Feared: Smallpox Chapter 9 Threats From Other Select Agents Part IV: Bioterrorism Comes to the U.S. Chapter 10 Anthrax Spores in the US Postal System Part V: What We have -- and What We Need Chapter 11 New Policies Reflect Changing Risk Assessment Chapter 12 From Policy to Implementation: The Biological Emergency Response System Chapter 13 How Are We Doing? Dimensions of this Wicked Problem Chapter 14 Solving the Puzzle: A Comprehensive Biosecurity System