The economic crisis that has hit the United States this year – and that has been looming over our heads for quite some time now – has implications of the highest importance. According to recent reports, it seems that because of the economic crisis, our nation’s ability to protect us from bio-terrorist attacks or even take care of public-health emergencies has been severely hindered.

Both federal and state governments have been cutting a significant number of programs that are aimed at helping communities handle a wide array of health issues, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorism incidents. Considering the progress made in ensuring national security since September 11th, 2001, the current state can be considered an important drawback. According to official sources, the federal funds are in a critic condition and public-health budgets have already been cut in 11 states. If the situation isn’t improved, it is certain that more states will share the same fate.

A very dramatic outcome may also occur if medical supplies aren’t kept in reasonable stock. Also, if hospitals cannot handle large influxes of patients because of reasons linked to the economic crisis, the result would be catastrophic, involving increased numbers of deaths and illnesses.

Of course, one of the most worried agencies is Homeland Security. In charge of national security, the agency is probably undergoing the most changes, trying to adapt to rough financial conditions. They fear that someone may take advantage of the situation and launch a biological weapon or set up a nuclear explosion – even an epidemic would be catastrophic at this point.