CDC HEALTH ADVISORY
NOVEMBER 8, 2003

CDC Health Advisory: Final Test Results for Bacillus Anthracis at Anacostia Naval Postal Sorting Facility Are Negative

PCR assays and final culture results from testing conducted by the Naval Medical Research Institute on environmental samples collected from at the Anacostia Naval Postal Facility have been completed and did not suggest the presence of Bacillus anthracis. A single screening assay on a routine air filter sample done on November 5th at this facility using commercial technology was read as positive, prompting closure of the facility and 11 other postal facilities in metropolitan Washington that fed mail to this location. All postal facilities have been cleared for reopening. Workers from the Anacostia facility have been instructed that they can stop taking antibiotic prophylaxis.

Clinicians are encouraged to review the additional information on Anthrax at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/index.asp

Categories of CDC Health Alert messages:
Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
Health Advisory: provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
Health Update: provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.

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