NCJ Number
190510
Journal
MMWR Weekly Volume: 48 Issue: 04 Dated: February 5, 1999 Pages: 69-74
Date Published
February 1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the findings of investigation of anthrax threats in 1998.
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) received reports of a series of bioterroristic threats of anthrax exposure. Letters alleged to contain anthrax were sent to health clinics on October 30, 1998, in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In California, a letter alleged to contain anthrax was sent to a private business, and three telephone threats of anthrax contamination of ventilation systems were made to private and public buildings during the month of December. All threats were hoaxes and are under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law officials. The public health implications of these threats were investigated to assist in developing national public health guidelines for responding to bioterrorism. Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium B. anthracis. It occurs most frequently as an epizootic or enzootic disease of herbivores (cattle, goats, and sheep), which acquire spores from direct contact with contaminated soil. Humans usually become infected through contact with or ingestion or inhalation of B. anthracis spores from infected animals or their products. Human-to-human transmission has not been documented. The spore form of B. anthracis is durable and can be delivered as an aerosol. The incubation period for anthrax is 2 to 60 days. Inhalation causes the most serious form of human anthrax and mortality may be high even with appropriate therapy. The public health response to bioterrorism requires communication and coordination with first responders and law enforcement officials. State and local health departments should work with these groups to ensure that local disaster preparedness plans address bioterrorism. The FBI has jurisdiction for bioterrorism response and will coordinate the collection of evidence. Public health officials, working with law enforcement and first response personnel should determine the need for decontamination and postexposure prophylaxis. Postexposure prophylaxis for exposure to B. anthracis consists of chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. 1 table, 5 references