Anthrax Postal Terrorism

Following the September 11 attacks in New York City and Washington D.C., the United States suffered through another national scare.

• Multiple bioterrorism attacks using B. anthracis (anthrax) spores were sent through the mail, resulting in several deaths and numerous exposures.
• Following recognition of the first cases of anthrax in Florida in early October 2001, investigators from CDC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were mobilized to assist investigators from state and local public health and law enforcement agencies.

• CDC was at the forefront of the nation’s response, working around the clock with state and local health officials to determine the source of the attacks, control the damage, and minimize the risk of exposure to the public.

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