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Bioterrorism preparedness
Mail handling guidelines on handling biological threats
Many facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances. The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling such incidents.
How anthrax organisms affect individuals
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Do not panic:
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1.
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Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin (open sores or cuts), swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person. |
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For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective. |
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Identifying suspicious unopened letters or packages
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1.
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Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package. |
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PLACE the envelope or package in a plastic bag or other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. |
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If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trashcan, etc.) and do not remove this cover. |
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Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away). |
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WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face. |
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What to do next...
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If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police - DIAL 911. |
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If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police - DIAL 911, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor. |
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LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice. |
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include the following:
- Excessive postage
- Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
 Incorrect titles
- Title, but no name
- Misspellings of common words
- Oily stains, discolorations or odor
- No return address
- Excessive weight
- Lopsided or uneven envelope
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil
- Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
- Visual distractions
- Ticking sound
- Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
- Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
What do I do if an envelope contains powder and powder spills out onto the surface?
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1.
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DO NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. COVER the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trashcan, etc.), and do not remove this cover! |
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Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away). |
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TURN OFF the HVAC (air conditioning) system. |
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WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face. |
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What to do next...
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If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police - DIAL 911. |
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If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police - DIAL 911, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor. |
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REMOVE heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling. |
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SHOWER with soap and water as soon as possible. Do Not Use Bleach or Other Disinfectant on Your Skin. |
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If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation. |
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What do I do if the room is contaminated by aerosolization?
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For example: a small device triggered, warning that air-handling system is contaminated, or warning that a biological agent released in a public space.
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1.
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Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area. |
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LEAVE area immediately. |
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CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away). |
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What to do next...
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If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police - DIAL 911. |
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If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police - DIAL 911, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor. |
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SHUT down air handling system in the building, if possible. |
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If possible, list all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation. |
Source: CDC, 2001
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Links to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Postal Service regarding mail handling guidelines
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