What is anthrax?

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis.  Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals.

Why has anthrax become a current issue?

Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in conflict.

How common is anthrax and who can get it?

Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals.  These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.  When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their projects.  Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products from other countries where anthrax is more common may become infected with B. anthracis (industrial anthrax).  Anthrax in wild livestock has occurred in the United States.

How is anthrax transmitted?

Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products.  Anthrax can also spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.  It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.

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 in 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.

What should make me suspect a piece of mail?

• It’s unexpected or from someone you don’t know.

• It’s addressed to someone no longer at your address.

• It’s handwritten and has no return address or bears one that you can’t confirm is legitimate.

• It’s lopsided or lumpy in appearance.

• It’s sealed with excessive amounts of tape.

• It’s marked with restrictive endorsements such as “Personal” or “Confidential”.

• It has excessive postage.

What should I do with a suspicious piece of mail?

• Don’t handle a letter or package that you suspect is contaminated.

• Don’t shake it, bump it, or sniff it.

• Wash you hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Notify local law enforcement authorities.

Juneau Police Department Juneau Emergency Government will come to your location!

DO NOT bring item to City Hall/Police Department.

** Remember to use common sense, do not panic, remain calm.

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