October 28, 2001/4:30 PM, ET
Contact: CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Press Release

CDC Update: Current anthrax case count and Halloween safety

Based on a rigorous case definition, CDC is reporting 13 confirmed cases of anthrax: 2 in Florida, 3 in New York City, 3 in New Jersey, and 5 in Washington, D.C. (in collaboration with MD and VA). CDC is also reporting 5 suspect cases: 3 in New York City and 2 in New Jersey.

CDC defines a confirmed case of anthrax as 1) a clinically compatible case of cutaneous, inhalational, or gastrointestinal illness that is laboratory confirmed by isolation of B. anthracis from an affected tissue or site or 2) other laboratory evidence of B. anthracis infection based on at least two supportive laboratory tests.

Parents should follow the same precautions this Halloween as in past years. The spotlight on Choking Episodes Among Children is online at www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/spotlite/choking.htm.

For the latest update on CDC activities and on-going anthrax investigations visit www.bt.cdc.gov/ or www.cdc.gov/media/.

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This page last reviewed October 28, 2001
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