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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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October 12, 2001
Contact: CDC Press Office
(404) 639-3286
Press Release
Update: Public Health Message Regarding Anthrax
- Preliminary testing done at CDC along with clinical diagnosis indicates that an employee
who works on the third floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza has developed cutaneous anthrax, a
bacterial infection of the skin. The source of the anthrax exposure is still being
investigated but it is possible that it may have occurred when an envelope was opened on
September 25, 2001 that may have contained material contaminated with the spore-form of
anthrax. The employee developed a skin infection and was seen by an infectious disease
specialist who suspected cutaneous anthrax. The patient has been treated with antibiotics
and is doing well.
- Although test results are normally not released to the public until there is
confirmation, these preliminary results are being released given the current
circumstances.
- Anthrax is not contagious from one person to another.
- Cutaneous (skin) anthrax is different from inhalation anthrax, which is the type of
anthrax that resulted in the death of one person in Palm Beach County, Florida. A
cutaneous infection due to anthrax can occur if the spores are in contact with an area of
skin that is not intact, such as a cut or sore. Cutaneous anthrax is marked by a boil-like
lesion that eventually forms an ulcer with a black center. The cutaneous forms responds
well to antibiotics if treatment is started soon after symptoms appear, such as in this
case.
- Selected areas of 30 Rockefeller Plaza have been closed and environmental samples are
being taken.
- The risk of exposure is greatest for the few people who handled the letter after it
was opened, or those in the immediate area at the time the envelope was opened.
Nevertheless, as a precaution, all people who worked on the third floor will be given
antibiotics.
- CDC is supplementing a New York City Health Department team of epidemiologists
investigating the case. CDC has provided personnel and is supporting New York with
laboratory assistance, and antibiotics, if needed.
- For more information regarding public health actions being taken in New York City, press
can contact the NY City Health Department by calling 212-295-5335/5336. The public can
call 1-877-817-7621 or visit nyc.gov/health.
- To contact CDC, call 404-639-3286.
- For information about how to handle suspicious mail, see the US Postal Service website
at: www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_1010tips.htm
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