A North Korean soldier who defected to the South in 2017 has anthrax antibodies in his bloodstream. This raises fears that the regime could use this disease as a weapon.
South Korean authorities confirmed the soldier, who has not been identified, was either exposed to or vaccinated against anthrax and had developed immunity to it, UPI reported, citing Channel A.
One official told the TV network: “Anthrax antibodies have been found in the North Korean soldier who defected this year.”
North Korea has long been suspected of developing biological weapons after the regime revealed the work of the Pyongyang Biological Technology Research Institute in 2015, run by the Korean People’s Army Unit 810.
The regime claims that the facility specializes in pesticide research, however, analysts have stated that dual-use equipment on the site suggests that biological weapons are being manufactured.
A report earlier this month claimed Pyongyang is testing biological weapons for the purpose of loading anthrax-laded warheads on its intercontinental ballistic missiles.
A Japanese newspaper reported that the U.S. was aware of the tests. They were conducted to see if the anthrax bacteria could survive the high temperatures on returning from space.
North Korea denied the claims and said it would “take revenge” on the U.S. for claiming it was developing biological weapons.
The discovery of anthrax antibodies has raised tensions in Seoul because the South Korean military has not yet issued an anthrax vaccine.
What is Anthrax?Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can be contracted through the skin, lungs, intestines or through an injection.
Symptoms include raised spots or blisters on the skin, fever and chills, shortness of breath, chest pains and shock.
Airborne infection of the disease is the most deadly and can kill quickly if not treated immediately. It can be treated with antibiotics.
https://nypost.com/2017/12/26/north-korea-soldier-who-defected-had-immunity-to-anthrax/
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