A Catalyst in the Public’s Perception of Bioterrorism: Operation Amerithrax 2001

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

In the shadows of American terrorism lies the Anthrax Attacks of 2001, just a week after the largest terrorist attack to date of the nation 9/11; Operation “Amerithrax” as claimed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was under investigation as an act of biological terrorism suspected of the Pan-Islamist terrorist group Al Qaeda. After years of investigation, twenty-two infected individuals, five of those resulting in death, the real criminal behind the anthrax attacks was an employed individual from the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). This poster examines how citizens’ perception of the government and bioterrorism has changed after the attacks, furthermore, studying the characteristics of anthrax, a silent killer. Creating mass-hysteria amongst anyone receiving mail sent through the United States Postal Service, a spore so sensitive, slight inhalation or cutaneous touch constitutes a fast-growing potentially lethal infection. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation into how the procedure of the federal government forever reformed the public’s biological terrorism perception. This research reflects on the traumatic instances of 2001’s Anthrax Attacks and moves forward with ensuring trust with an inclusive public health system to protect civilian safety.

Author

• Kaylee Ann McGlynn, Southern New Hampshire University