Saturday, February 23, 2002, 13:51 EST (1:51 PM EST)

CDCHAN-00077-2002-02-23-ADV-S

On February 22, 2002, at 5:30 PM EST, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was notified of a possible anthrax incident at Fort McPherson Army Base, Atlanta, Georgia. HAZMAT responded and reported the presence of a package containing a white powder. Initial field tests (Guardian BTA Strips) were positive for Bacillus anthracis. Law enforcement transported the sample to CDC's laboratory facilities in Atlanta for further testing.

Preliminary C D C laboratory results are as follows:

• PCR: Negative

• Culture: No growth at 12 hours

Definitive results are pending culture status at 24 hours (approximately 09:30 PM EST, February 23, 2002). When these results are available, another Health Alert message will be issued.

Event Type: rule out anthrax

Context: general information

Event Type: Man-made

Agent Type: bacteria

Specify Agent (Name): possible anthrax

International: no

Intentional/Unintentional: intentional

Health Alert Network (HAN)