George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
Abstract:
The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies is a leading
transatlantic defense educational and security studies institution. It is bilaterally
supported by the U.S. and German governments and dedicated to the creation of
a more stable security environment by advancing democratic defense institutions
and relationships; promoting active, peaceful engagement; and enhancing
enduring partnerships among the nations of North America, Europe and Eurasia.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Terrorism, Biosecurity, and Counter-terrorism
The heart of this occasional paper is a translation of an official Soviet-era document titled “Report on Measures Taken to Contain and Eradicate the Smallpox Outbreak Locale in the City of Aralsk, September/October 1971.” This previously secret report describes and analyzes an outbreak of smallpox that occurred in autumn 1971 in Aralsk, a small city on the shore of the Aral Sea in what was then the Kazakhstan Soviet Socialist Republic. Ten persons became infected with smallpox, and three died, before the outbreak was successfully contained by means of quarantine, mass vaccination in Aralsk, and other public health measures. A contagious disease that killed about a third of its victims, smallpox was characterized by high fever, prostration, and a painful pustular rash on the face and body that left survivors with disfiguring facial scars.
Topic:
Health, Terrorism, War, Weapons of Mass Destruction, World Health Organization, and Biosecurity