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How to Handle Anthrax and other Biological Agent Threats

DO NOT PANIC

1. 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.
2. 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.

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 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

1. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package; Do Not try to clean up powders or fluids.
   
2. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
   
3. If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything. (E.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
   
4. Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
   
5. WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face or skin. Do Not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.
   
6. If you are at home, then report the incident to local police.
   
7. If you are at work, report the incident to the local police and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
   
8. If possible, 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.
   
9. Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place in a plastic bag that can be sealed; give the bag to law enforcement personnel.
   
10. Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.

For more information about bioterrorism visit www.dhss.state.mo.us