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Notice to Readers: Ongoing Investigation of Anthrax --- Florida,
October 2001
On October 4, 2001, the Palm Beach County Health Department (PBCHD), the
Florida State Department of Health (FSDOH), and CDC reported a case of anthrax in a
63-year-old resident of Florida. The patient was hospitalized with the respiratory form of
anthrax and subsequently died. PBCHD, FSDOH, and CDC initiated an epidemiologic
investigation and public health surveillance to identify how infection with
Bacillus anthracis occurred and to identify other infections. An environmental investigation identified
one sample taken from the patient's workplace (America Media Inc. [AMI], Boca Raton,
Florida) as positive for anthrax. B.
anthracis also was identified in one nasal sample from
another worker in the same building, which suggests exposure. Testing of additional samples is
in progress. Public health officials, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, are continuing the investigation.
In response to these cases, PBCHD is evaluating and offering prophylactic
antibiotic treatment to persons who might have been in the building for at least 1 hour since
August 1. The incubation period from exposure to onset of illness is usually 1--7 days but may
be up to 60 days. Symptoms of inhalational anthrax include fever, muscle aches, and
fatigue that rapidly progress to severe systemic illness. Workers and visitors associated with
the AMI worksite in Florida who develop such symptoms should be evaluated thoroughly
to exclude anthrax. Clinicians who evaluate persons with exposure to anthrax should
contact their state or local health department to provide information that may assist
this investigation. This information was current as of October 10, 2001. Additional
information about the Florida investigation, prophylactic antibiotic treatment guidelines,
and anthrax is available from CDC at <http://www.bt.cdc.gov>. Public health guidance
about the management of anthrax threat letters or packages can be found at
<http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr>.
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