Official CDC Anthrax Protection Guidelines

Alfa Medical  59 Madison Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550  1-800-801-9934 fax 516-489-9364

Unfortunately for some large companies and organizations that receive hundreds of letters and packages per day, it is a very hard task to monitor all the mail that is received.

What can be done to ensure that the mail is safe to open?

Many official organizations are highly recommending the use of medical sterilizers to kill any potential anthrax bacteria that may be lurking in the mail. The US Navy Manual on Operational Medicine and Fleet Support says that "Spore destruction requires steam sterilization..." (click here for full report).

On Oct 22nd 2001, NBC ran a special on the benefits of sterilization of mail. If you or anyone you know works in a building that receives A LOT of mail per day, then it would be the wise choice to look into sending all that mail into a sterilizer each day, to kill any and all bacteria that may be lurking inside it.

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 be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.

What are the symptoms of anthrax?

Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7 days.

Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.

Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.

Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?

Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur. Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with inhalational anthrax.

Is there a way to prevent infection?

In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked. Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against anthrax.

What is the anthrax vaccine?

The anthrax vaccine is manufactured and distributed by BioPort, Corporation, Lansing, Michigan. The vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, which means it contains no dead or live bacteria in the preparation. The final product contains no more than 2.4 mg of aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant. Anthrax vaccines intended for animals should not be used in humans.

Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommend anthrax vaccination for the following groups:

• Persons who work directly with the organism in the laboratory
• Persons who work with imported animal hides or furs in areas where standards are insufficient to prevent exposure to anthrax spores.
• Persons who handle potentially infected animal products in high-incidence areas. (Incidence is low in the United States, but veterinarians who travel to work in other countries where incidence is higher should consider being vaccinated.)
• Military personnel deployed to areas with high risk for exposure to the organism (as when it is used as a biological warfare weapon).

The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office can be reached at 1-877-GETVACC (1-877-438-8222). http://www.anthrax.osd.mil

Pregnant women should be vaccinated only if absolutely necessary.

What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination?

The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given 2 weeks apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are recommended thereafter.

Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine?

Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight tenderness and redness at the injection site. Severe local reactions are infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in addition to the local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients.

How is anthrax diagnosed?

Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of persons with suspected cases.

Is there a treatment for anthrax?

Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Six Steps to Take When Envelope is Opened and the Powder Is Found

1. Close the windows and carefully cover the powder with a large cloth (or a jacket) to prevent the powder from stirring. Then leave the room. (If it is not possible to cover the powder, there is no need to worry. However, when leaving, move slowly and quietly so as not to stir the powder.) Note: Closing the windows is not to prevent spores from going outside. Leaving windows open while opening a door could allow the wind to blow the powder.

2. Call the police immediately upon leaving the room. Everyone who was in the room should gather in one place and wait for medical personnel to arrive. Never send anyone, for instance, to get some clothes. Furthermore, any rescuer who was on the scene without a proper outfit, and those who were in contact with or near the substance, should follow steps 4-6 below.

3. Those who directly touched the powder or who were nearby should wash their hands thoroughly, take off their clothes, and shower right away. (If a shower is not available, do not leave, and wait for help).

4. Change your clothes. The clothes that everyone was wearing should be placed in one area and later disposed of by following an expert's instructions.

5. Never take anything out of the room where the letter was opened. Seal off the contaminated area and prohibit access to it.

6. Anyone who was in the room must consult a doctor. (MedWave)

Where can I get more information about the recent Department of Defense decision to require men and women in the Armed Services to be vaccinated against anthrax?

The Department of Defense recommends that servicemen and women contact their chain of command on questions about the vaccine and its distribution. The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office can be reached at 1-877-GETVACC (1-877-438-8222). http://www.anthrax.osd.mil

How can Anthrax be prevented?

Sterilizing your mail can help prevent anthrax infection.

"This is important information, that everyone should have.
We will be updating this site with current issues,
so please continue to check back"

Alfa Medical  59 Madison Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550  1-800-801-9934 fax 516-489-9364