Investigation of Bioterrorism-Related Anthrax, United States, 2001: Epidemiologic Findings

In October 2001, the first inhalational anthrax case in the United States since 1976 was identified in a media company worker in Florida. A national investigation was initiated to identify additional cases and determine possible exposures to Bacillus anthracis. Surveillance was enhanced through health-care facilities, laboratories, and other means to identify cases, which were defined as clinically compatible illness with laboratory-confirmed B. anthracis infection. From October 4 to November 20, 2001, 22 cases of anthrax (11 inhalational, 11 cutaneous) were identified; 5 of the inhalational cases were fatal. Twenty (91%) case-patients were either mail handlers or were exposed to worksites where contaminated…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Defense
• SO
  State of Connecticut Department of Public Health
• PD
  Pennsylvania Department of Health
• VD
  Virginia Department of Health
• SO
  State of New Jersey Department of Health
• MD
  Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• DO
  District of Columbia Department of Health
• CF
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention