October 19, 2001

Exposures To Suspected Biological Materials

BINGHAMTON, NY - The spread of anthrax is a new concern - and the collective public-private health system is moving to address it. The public needs to remain calm and remember that we do have a disaster-preparedness system in place in Broome County. Disaster preparedness is fundamental to national, state and local well being. Here in Broome County, we can assure the public that a solid, well-drilled public health - clinical health disaster preparedness plan already is in place and is being modified to address these new types of hazards. We are working as a community to improve cross-agency communications and add new skills, protections and treatment measures to our already solid community health foundation.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by bacteria, which is capable of forming spores that can travel through the air. Humans can become infected 3 ways: spores coming in contact with abraded skin or open cuts; ingestion of spores; or inhalation of a fine aerosolized mist. All forms of the disease are generally treatable with antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from person to person by casual contact, sharing office space or by coughing and sneezing. Inhalation anthrax generally requires exposure to a large dose of very fine powder. Most persons who have become ill have been exposed to a high concentration of spores and developed symptoms within one week of exposure. Re-aerosolization of particles on clothing and on surfaces into small enough particles is nearly impossible. Thus, the immediate risk to people "exposed" to letters or packages or powder found on the floor or ground is minimal.

The symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection are fever, cough, fatigue, mild chest discomfort and may be followed by severe respiratory distress. Abdominal pain, bloody vomitus and diarrhea occur with ingestion of anthrax spores from the consumption of tainted meat. The skin form of anthrax causes a boil-like lesion that will form an ulcer with a blackish center.

If you do not need antibiotics, you should not take them. Storing a supply of antibiotics "just in case" may be dangerous. Antibiotics should only be taken under the supervision of a physician who has done an evaluation to minimize the potential for side effects or interaction with other medications. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may cause the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of common bacteria.

If a person receives an envelope or package suspected to contain anthrax or other biologic agents, the current procedure is as follows:

1. Do not panic
2. Do not open, shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package. Place the item in a plastic zip lock bag if possible and call the local police agency at 911.
3. If the object has already been opened, close the object and limit any further exposure to the material, and keep others away. Place the object in a plastic zip lock bag if possible. Immediately wash hands with soap and water and contact the local police agency at 911.

The local police will come to the scene and collect specimens. The specimens will be labeled with name(s) and date. Testing of samples will be prioritized according to the New York State Department of Health, Center for Disease Control and state and local law enforcement agency, protocol. The local law enforcement agencies will assess the nature of the possible exposure to anthrax. If the threat is perceived to be non-existent, a small amount of the sample will be saved and catalogued at the Sheriff's department. The sample will be destroyed after 60 days, in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms of anthrax infection in the person or persons who may have been exposed. Local law enforcement authorities will maintain a list of persons involved in potential exposures so proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, if necessary.

If the threat is perceived by law enforcement agencies and the Health Department to be credible, the sample will be forwarded to the State Health Department Laboratory for testing as a high priority specimen. Individuals involved in the exposure incident will be contacted and provided with information concerning medical management.

Soaking specimens with a10 percent bleach and water solution for a period of five minutes will inactivate contaminated material. Clothing can be laundered with hot, soapy water. Surfaces can be cleaned with a 10 percent bleach and water solution.

To report a suspected biological exposure, call the local law enforcement agency. For recorded information about anthrax, call the Broome County Health Department Information Line at 607.778.3911, option 4.

Protocols for Mail Handling .pdf, 83k)

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