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How
to Handle Anthrax and Other Biological Agent Threats
Distributed
via Health Alert Network October 12, 2001, 21:00 EDT (9:00 PM EDT)
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Many
facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat
letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances.
The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling
such incidents.
DO
NOT PANIC
- Anthrax
organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system,
or the lungs. To do, so the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin,
swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented
after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate
antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.
- For anthrax
to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very
small particles. This is difficult to do, and requires a great deal
of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are
inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition
and treatment are effective.
Suspicious
Unopened Letter or Package Marked with Threatening Message Such as “Anthrax”:
- Do not
shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
- PLACE
the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container
to prevent leakage of contents.
- If you
do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything
(e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
- Then
LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent
others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
- WASH
your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your
face.
- What
to do next…
- If you
are at HOME, then report the incident to local police.
- If you
are at WORK, then report the incident to local police,
and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
- LIST
all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter
or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health
authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations
and advice.
Envelope
with Powder and Powder Spills Out onto Surface:
- DO
NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. COVER the spilled contents
immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and
do not remove this cover!
- Then
LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent
others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
- WASH
your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading
any powder to your face.
- What
to do next…
- If you
are at HOME, then report the incident to local police.
- If you
are at WORK, then report the incident to local police,
and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
- REMOVE
heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic
bag, or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should
be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
- SHOWER
with soap and water as soon as possible. Do Not Use Bleach Or Other
Disinfectant On Your Skin.
- If possible,
list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had
actual contact with the powder. Give this list to both the local public
health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical
follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.
Question
of Room Contamination by Aerosolization:
For example:
small device triggered, warning that air handling system is contaminated,
or warning that a biological agent released in a public space.
- Turn
off local fans or ventilation units in the area.
- LEAVE
area immediately.
- CLOSE
the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e.,
keep others away).
- What
to do next…
- If
you are at HOME, then dial “911”
to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office.
- If
you are at WORK, then dial “911”
to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office,
and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
- SHUT
down air handling system in the building, if possible.
- If possible,
list all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to both
the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can
be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for
further investigation.
How
to Identify Suspicious Packages and Letters
Some characteristics
of suspicious packages and letters include the following…
- Excessive
postage
- Handwritten
or poorly typed addresses
- Incorrect
titles
- Title,
but no name
- Misspellings
of common words
- Oily
stains, discolorations or odor
- No return
address
- Excessive
weight
- Lopsided
or uneven envelope
- Protruding
wires or aluminum foil
- Excessive
security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
- Visual
distractions
- Ticking
sound
- Marked
with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential”
- Shows
a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
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