Anthrax Alert
 

Anthrax Alert: Guidelines for Mail Sorters

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What is Anthrax?

Anthrax is a disease caused by a bacterium (Bacillus anthracis). This naturally-occurring bacterium has received a great deal of attention recently because of the deliberate exposure of individuals who have sorted or opened contaminated mail. It is harmful only if a sufficient dose is inhaled (breathed in), ingested (swallowed), or gets into an open cut or wound. Anthrax is not contagious! It cannot be spread from person to person (e.g., by coughing or sneezing).

No anthrax exposures have been documented in Washington or in any surrounding western states, nor has there been a credible threat of exposure to employees handling mail. However, this information is being provided to help you in the event of a bioterroism incident.

Guidelines for Mail Sorters:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has developed interim guidelines for mail sorters because of the threat posed by bioterrorism, the full document can be found at www.bt.cdc.gov. The following minimum personal protective equipment and practices may be used to reduce the risk of exposure during mail sorting:

If a Suspicious Package is found:

For more information, please contact:

John Furman, PhD
WISHA Policy & Technical Services
(360) 902-5666
furk235@lni.wa.gov

 


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