October 31, 2001—To respond to the recent public health concerns about exposure to anthrax, the Anthrax/Bioterrorism page of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site contains CDC Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates; Public Health Emergency Response; an October 27, 2001, statement regarding postal and other mailroom facilities in the Metropolitan Washington DC area; updated recommendations for handling suspicious packages or envelopes (updated October 27, 2001); interim recommendations for firefighters and other first responders for the selection and use of protective clothing and respirators against biological agents (from October 25, 2001), and more.
The CDC site also has a page for Frequently Asked Questions, such as:
- What is anthrax?
- How is anthrax transmitted?
- What are the symptoms of anthrax?
- Can anthrax be spread from person to person?
- Is there a way to prevent infection?
- What is the anthrax vaccine?
- How is anthrax diagnosed?
- Is there a treatment for anthrax?
- Where can I get more information about a recent Department of Defense decision to require men and women in the Armed Services to be vaccinated against anthrax?
The site also contains a page with technical information about anthrax, as well as a page with additional miscellaneous information, such as CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, and other resources. The CDC Duty Officer of the day is available at 404/639-2807 (8:00am to 4:00pm) or 404/639-7100 (after hours) for any additional questions or comments on anthrax and bioterrorism.
