Wednesday, October 31, 2001, 21:25 EST (9:25 PM EST)

CDCHAN-00050-2001-10-31-ADV-N

Updated information about how to recognize and handle a suspicious package or envelope.

This information supplements CDC 's recommendations for recognizing and handling suspicious packages or envelopes that were published as a CDC Health Advisory on October 27, 2001, and replaces information about identifying suspicious packages that was published as a Health Advisory on October 12, 2001.

Letters containing Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) have been received by mail in several areas in the United States. In some instances, anthrax exposures have occurred, with several persons becoming infected. To prevent such exposures and subsequent infection, all persons should learn how to recognize a suspicious package or envelope and take appropriate steps to protect themselves and others.

Event Type: anthrax terrorism event

Context: general information

Event Type: Man-made

Agent Type: bacteria

Specify Agent (Name): anthrax

International: no

Intentional/Unintentional: intentional

Health Alert Network (HAN)