BabyGirl
03-15-2005, 02:40 AM
Pentagon Reports Anthrax Scare
A routine test of mail in a Pentagon mail room set off alarms for anthrax Monday, although follow-up tests were negative.
The initial test took place at the Pentagon's Remote Delivery Facility, which was evacuated while further tests were conducted. Although subsequent tests for anthrax were negative, the Department of Defense is taking precautions, including obtaining cultures from all people who might have been exposed. Personnel have also been given the option of taking antibiotics.
Anthrax, a bacterium that can last for years in spore form, is not contagious. Although potentially fatal, it is easily treated with antibiotics such as Cipro.
Anthrax-laced letters killed five people, including two postal workers, in the fall of 2001. The subsequent investigation failed to identify the person or persons who sent the contaminated letters.
A routine test of mail in a Pentagon mail room set off alarms for anthrax Monday, although follow-up tests were negative.
The initial test took place at the Pentagon's Remote Delivery Facility, which was evacuated while further tests were conducted. Although subsequent tests for anthrax were negative, the Department of Defense is taking precautions, including obtaining cultures from all people who might have been exposed. Personnel have also been given the option of taking antibiotics.
Anthrax, a bacterium that can last for years in spore form, is not contagious. Although potentially fatal, it is easily treated with antibiotics such as Cipro.
Anthrax-laced letters killed five people, including two postal workers, in the fall of 2001. The subsequent investigation failed to identify the person or persons who sent the contaminated letters.