Official CDC Health Update

posted 10/07/01

This is an official CDC Health Advisory

Distributed Via Health Alert Network

Update: Public Health Message Regarding Florida Anthrax Case

October 7, 2001

1) The ongoing investigation of anthrax in Florida has detected

evidence that the bacterium that causes anthrax, (Bacillis anthracis) may be

present in the building where the patient who died of anthrax worked.

2) B. anthracis was identified in one nasal sample from another worker

in the building, which suggests exposure. No other workers are known to

have illness consistent with anthrax.

3) One of many samples collected from the workplace environment

contains B. anthracis. Final results on the other environmental samples will

not be available for several days. In the meantime, public health officials,

in cooperation with the company, have secured the building.

4) The current risk of anthrax among employees and visitors to the

building is extremely low. However, as a preventive measure, public health

officials have begun to contact personnel who worked in the building since

August 1, 2001, to provide antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment before symptoms

occur will prevent anthrax. The incubation period from exposure to onset of

illness with anthrax is usually 1-7 days, but may be as long as 60 days.

5) Symptoms of inhalational anthrax include fever, muscle aches, and

fatigue that rapidly progress to severe systemic illness. Workers who

develop such symptoms will be advised to seek immediate medical attention

for further evaluation.

6) Anthrax is NOT contagious from one person to another. Family members

and contacts of persons who work in or visited the building are not at risk

and antibiotic therapy is not recommended for them. Other members of the

community are not at risk. Public health officials, together with the FBI,

are continuing the investigation.

7) For more information regarding this public health action in Florida,

after 7 a.m., Monday, October 8, call: 1 800 342-3557