There is no need to begin antibiotics before you are ill. The problem is that the symptoms of pulmonary anthrax are not very specific and can be lost if the population is struggling with a similar, non-lethal infectious disease like influenza. <br><br>Very quickly, the bio-threat would be perceived and correct treatment undertaken. The risk of anthrax is a local one, you have to come into contact with the bacteria directly so an anthrax incident would be rather localized.<br><br>I have seen projections that 200 pounds of bacterial spores dispersed upwind of a large city could result in 125,000 deaths and 200,000 ill.<br><br>I don't believe that it is established that "they don't have the meds to keep us alive". Anthrax is susceptible to treatment with common antibiotics. The only problem is early recognition. That is a matter of great interest right now in the public health arena.<br><br>Jeffery S. Anderson, M.D.<br><br>