The Public Health Response and Epidemiologic Investigation Related to the Opening of aBacillus anthracis–Containing Envelope, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

• DOI: 10.3201/eid0810.020332
• Publication Date: 2012-06-27T18:08:44Z
• Authors: Vincent P. Hsu; Susan L. Lukacs; Thomas Handzel; James Hayslett; Scott Harper; Thomas Hales; Vera A. Semenova; Sandra Romero-Ste...; Cheryl Elie; Conrad P. Quinn; Rima Khabbaz; Ali S. Khan; Gregory Martin; John Eisold; Anne Schuchat; Rana A. Hajjeh
• Keywords: Chemoprophylaxis; Bacillus anthracis

On October 15, 2001, a U.S. Senate staff member opened an envelope containing Bacillus anthracis spores. Chemoprophylaxis was promptly initiated and nasal swabs obtained for all persons in the immediate area. An epidemiologic investigation conducted to define exposure areas identify who should receive prolonged chemoprophylaxis, based on their risk. Persons immediately exposed B. spores were interviewed; records reviewed additional this with positive had repeat serial serologic evaluation measure antibodies protective antigen (anti-PA). A total of 625 identified as requiring chemoprophylaxis; 28 swabs. Repeat negative at 7 days; none developed anti-PA by 42 days after exposure. Early swab testing is useful tool assess risk aerosolized anthracis. Early, wide chemoprophylaxis may have averted outbreak anthrax population.