ANTHRAX
ADVISORY
From: WMD Operations Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
ANTHRAX
ADVISORY
From: WMD Operations Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI)
December 1998
Recently, there have been numerous anthrax scares caused by hoax letters advising the
reader (victim) that anthrax was contained within the envelope. Some of these letters were
found to contain a form of inert powder (such as baby powder, detergent, or other common
household materials) with an accompanying note advising the recipient that he or she had
been exposed to anthrax. Other notes have merely contained the written statement advising
the reader of the presence of anthrax, although no foreign substance was contained within
the envelope. The reaction to these events by WMD first responders has resulted in
quarantine, evacuation, decontamination, and chemoprophylaxis efforts. All cases thus far
have been hoaxes.
First responders and potential victims should note that Anthrax spores are harmful only if
inhaled, ingested, or when introduced into an open wound or the eyes. Persons exposed to
anthrax are not contagious and quarantine is thus not appropriate.
All first responders should follow local protocols for hazardous materials incidents
involving biological hazards. Upon receipt of a threat, a thorough hazard risk assessment
should be conducted. Upon notification, the FBI will coordinate a risk assessment in
conjunction with the health department and other authorities on biological agents to
ensure timely dissemination of appropriate technical advice.
Any contaminated evidence gathered at the scene should be triple-bagged. Individuals
should be advised to await laboratory test results which will be available within 48
hours. These individuals do NOT need to be placed on chemoprophylaxis while awaiting
laboratory test results to determine whether an infectious agent was present.
The individual needs to be instructed that if they become ill before laboratory results
are available, they should immediately contact their local health department and proceed
immediately to a pre-determined emergency department, where they should inform the
attending staff of their potential exposure.
Responders can be protected from anthrax spores by donning splash protection, gloves, and
a full face respirator with High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA) (Level-C) or
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (Level-B). Victims who may be in the immediate
area and are potentially contaminated should be decontaminated with soap and water, no
bleach solutions are required. A 1:10 dilution of household bleach (i.e., Clorox -5.25%
hypochlorite) should only be used if there is confirmation of the agent and an inability
to remove the materials through soap and water decontamination. Additionally, the use of
bleach decontamination is only recommended after a soap and water decontamination, and
should be rinsed off after 10 to 15 minutes. Technical assistance can be immediately
provided by contacting the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802.
IMPORTANT:
If the envelope or package remains sealed (not opened), then first responders should not
take any action other than notifying the FBI and packaging the evidence. Quarantine,
evacuation, decontamination, and chemoprophylaxis efforts are NOT indicated if the
envelope or package remains sealed.
Also, anthrax will likely be visible as a powder or powder residue. The absence of visible
powder is a strong indicator that anthrax is not present.
The use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction (including anthrax) is a
violation of federal law. See Title 18, United States Code, Section 175 and Section 2332a.
It should be reported to the FBI immediately.
This information is provided by the WMD Operations Unit of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation and the National Domestic Preparedness Office (NDPO), in coordination
with the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Health and Human Services/Office
of Emergency Preparedness, and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious
Diseases (USAMRIID). The NDPO was established to coordinate the Federal Government's
efforts to prepare the nation's response community for threats involving Weapons of Mass
Destruction. Contact your local FBI office if confronted by a WMD threat.