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Akron, Ohio News Release...

How to Handle Anthrax and Other Biological Agent Threats

City of Akron

166 S. High Street · Akron, Ohio 44308
(330)-375-2538 · Fax: (330)-375-2335
For Immediate Release
Date:
Contact:		 October 17, 2001
Mark Williamson (willima@ci.akron.oh.us)

CDC Guidelines for State Health Departments
Revised October 14, 2001

I. Advice to the Public

How to Handle Anthrax and Other Biological Agent Threats
Many facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances. The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling such incidents.

DO NOT PANIC

  1. Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do, so the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.
  2. For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. This is difficult to do, and requires a great deal of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective.

Suspicious Letter or Package

  1. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package; DO NOT try to clean up powders or fluids.
  2. PLACE the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
  3. If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trashcan, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
  4. Then LEAVE the, room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
  5. WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face or skin.
  6. What to do next...
    1. If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police.
    2. If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
  7. If possible, LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.
  8. Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place in a plastic bag that can be sealed; give the bag to law enforcement personnel.
  9. Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.