(3/15/99)
They've been showing up at Planned Parenthood clinics, and elsewhere --
envelopes supposedly containing the deadly bacteria, anthrax.
So far, no real anthrax has been found -- but experts say even if the
real bacteria was sent in an envelope, it's not a reason to panic.
Science Specialist Ed Yeates explains.
Unlike a bomb scare or a chemical spill, there's NO need to evacuate for a
biological threat - even if it's real.
With several anthrax hoaxes now, State Health says it's time for everybody
to follow the same guidelines whether threats are fake - or real.
State Epidemiologist, Craig Nichols, says, "The risk to a person opening an
envelope is very small. It is not a good delivery system for anthrax. And so we
simply advise people to be cautious, think about it."
Nichols says don't become complacent, thinking everything is a hoax - but at
the same time, realize there's a big difference between biological agents and
bombs or chemical spills.
He says, "They have an incubation period so you're not automatically exposed
and at risk immediately."
So, unlike a bomb or chemical spill - it's not necessary - not even a good
idea to evacuate a building.
"We would not want to evacuate a building in most cases," Nichols explains,
"because we don't think the threats are real and we want to be able to analyze
the threat by talking to people who are there - do a good risk assessement and
then do whatever followup we need to do - inside the building."
Even if the anthrax is real - it can be treated effectively with
antibiotics on site - and ordinary bleach will disinfect the area.
Dr. Jeff Mohr who heads up the Bio-Safety Level 3 Lab at Dugway Proving
Ground told Eyewitness News even for the neophyte terrorist, delivering anthrax
in an envelope is not practical.
They need sophisticated equipment and a biochemist to dry and mill the
spores to make them infectious to the lungs. And without a Bio-Safety Level 3
Lab, it would pose a greater risk to them than the people they're trying to
hurt.
In simple terms, the State Health says if you open a suspicious envelope,
don't touch or move the contents.
- Remain calm
- Close all doors and windows
- Stay in the room
- And call 911.
