Citation

Hsu VP, Lukacs SL, Handzel T, Hayslett J, Harper S, Hales T, Semenova VA, Romero-Steiner S, Elie C, Quinn CP, Khabbaz R, Khan AS, Martin G, Eisold J, Schuchat A, Hajjeh RA. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 2002; 8(10): 1039-1043.

Affiliation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. vhsu@cdc.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12396912

PMCID

PMC2730304

Abstract

On October 15, 2001, a U.S. Senate staff member opened an envelope containing Bacillus anthracis spores. Chemoprophylaxis was promptly initiated and nasal swabs obtained for all persons in the immediate area. An epidemiologic investigation was conducted to define exposure areas and identify persons who should receive prolonged chemoprophylaxis, based on their exposure risk. Persons immediately exposed to B. anthracis spores were interviewed; records were reviewed to identify additional persons in this area. Persons with positive nasal swabs had repeat swabs and serial serologic evaluation to measure antibodies to B. anthracis protective antigen (anti-PA). A total of 625 persons were identified as requiring prolonged chemoprophylaxis; 28 had positive nasal swabs. Repeat nasal swabs were negative at 7 days; none had developed anti-PA antibodies by 42 days after exposure. Early nasal swab testing is a useful epidemiologic tool to assess risk of exposure to aerosolized B. anthracis. Early, wide chemoprophylaxis may have averted an outbreak of anthrax in this population.

Language: en