Science and Complacency: A Cautionary Tale

Presenter: Jessica J. Davis

Faculty Sponsor: Opeyemi Odewale

School: Quinsigamond Community College

Research Area: Public Health and Epidemiology

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Auditorium, A9

ABSTRACT

Continuing education in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and within the hospital emergency rooms in Massachusetts is primarily based on current practices, protocols, and the latest updates on potential life-threatening illnesses within the community. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the focus became about preparing for the next pandemic. The problem with this is the focus of looking forward and preparing for what hasn’t arrived while overlooking current outbreaks of viruses that were believed to be a thing of the past. The tale of the Black Plague is just that, a story. What a majority of the medical community does not know is that the microbe that once eradicated entire cities is considered a weapon of bioterrorism worldwide. Even less medical personnel, especially in Massachusetts, are aware that there are bubonic plague cases in the United States every year. They are not taught to recognize the early symptoms of plague similar to the those of the flu. They are also unaware that several countries have tried to aerosol pneumonic plague to use as a weapon of bioterrorism. With the rise in computer and lab technology, pneumonic plague could be in the future of medical providers. Complacency with education of viruses like the plague can become a leading factor in misdiagnosis that could lead to another pandemic. To prepare for the future we need to look to the past. This presentation outlines the history of the plague, the present satirical attitude society has for it, and the future from a bioterrorism perspective.

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