Biological & Bioterrorism threats

General information on Anthrax
- General information on Anthrax - slide show on Anthrax
- Center for Disease control - http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm
- CDC paper - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/RR/RR4915.pdf
- CDC - Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response - more Public Health information, factsheets, etc
- CDC- MMWR - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports - Anthrax and Bioterrorism
- FBI, Anthrax update page "Amerithrax" - http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/anthrax/amerithraxlinks.htm
Bioterrorism information
- American Medical Association at http://jama.ama-assn.org/
  Five articles on bioterrorism by the AMA Working Group on Civilian Biodefense addressing anthrax, smallpox, plague, botulinum toxin, and tularemia
- anthrax - at http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v281n18/ffull/jst80027.html
- smallpox - at http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v281n22/ffull/jst90000.html
- plague - at http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v283n17/ffull/jst90013.html
- botulinum toxin - at http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v285n8/ffull/jst00017.html
- tularemia - at http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v285n21/ffull/jst10001.html

An index of links to articles addressing bioterrorism by the AMA Working Group on Civilian Biodefense is given at http://pubs.ama-assn.org/bioterr.html

Biological threat
- US State Depart Travel Advisory at http://travel.state.gov/cbw.htm
- Center for Disease Control info on biological threats at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/
Homeland Defense references:
- The Air War College - clearinghouse site: http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/awc-hmld.htm
- ANSER's Homeland Defense newsletter (free e-subscription): http://www.homelandsecurity.org/bulletin/current_bulletin.htm
Workplace Exposure to Anthrax
- Center for Disease Control - Interim* Recommendations for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis in Work Sites Where Mail Is Handled or Processed
- OSHA - News release on workplace anthrax exposure guide
- OSHA - Anthrax Risk Matrix

Suspicious mail

Suspicious letter and packages
- US Postal Service information on mail and anthrax at
  - http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_1010tips.htm
  - USPS Poster pdf
- FBI Poster on suspicious mail (link at bottom of FBI website) at
  - http://www.fbi.gov/
  - FBI poster pdf
- Web examples for opening suspicious mail - Marion County, Illinois
Summary/General information on suspicious mail
US Postal Service and FBI warning - suspicious mail usually would have a combination of the following:
- No return address
- Possibly mailed from a foreign country
- Excessive postage
- Restrictive markings like "Personal" or "Special Delivery"
- Misspelled information in the address
- Addressed to a title rather than an individual
- Badly typed or written
- Uneven in shape
- Rigid or bulky packaging
- Strange odor
- Oily stains, discoloration/ or crystallization on the packaging
- Excessive tape or string
FBI recommendation - Precautions when handling suspicious mail or packages:
- Isolate the item, handle with care, don't shake or bump
- Minimize handling (so not to destroy fingerprints if needed)
- Don't open, smell or taste
- Vigorous handwashing for five minutes with soap and water before touching face, any food, or surfaces if contact with item
- Call 911
- A 1:10 hypochlorite solution can be used for cleaning contaminated areas
FBI recommendation - confirmed anthrax agent
HazMat reponders should
- wear splash protection and gloves
- use a full-face respirator with HEPA filters (or SCBA)
- triple bag any items believed to be contaminated
- a 1:10 hypochlorite solution can be used for cleaning if there is confirmation of the agent
- exposed personnel should clean up with soap and water (no chlorine bleach solution on flesh, unless the item can't be removed with soap)

Exposed personnel should be evaluated by medical personnal and treated as needed

Biological & Bioterrorism threats

Suspicious mail

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