TY - JOUR AU - Hsu, Vincent P. AU - Lukacs, Susan L. AU - Handzel, Thomas AU - Hayslett, James AU - Harper, Scott AU - Hales, Thomas AU - Semenova, Vera A. AU - Romero-Steiner, Sandra AU - Elie, Cheryl AU - Quinn, Conrad P. AU - Khabbaz, Rima AU - Khan, Ali S. AU - Martin, Gregory AU - Eisold, John AU - Schuchat, Anne AU - Hajjeh, Rana A. T1 - The Public Health Response and Epidemiologic Investigation Related to the Opening of a Bacillus anthracis–Containing Envelope, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. T2 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal PY - 2002 VL - 8 IS - 10 SP - 1039 SN - 1080-6059 AB - On October 15, 2001, a U.S. Senate staff member opened an envelope containing Bacillus anthracis spores. Chemoprophylaxis was promptly initiated and nasal swabs obtained for all persons in the immediate area. An epidemiologic investigation was conducted to define exposure areas and identify persons who should receive prolonged chemoprophylaxis, based on their exposure risk. Persons immediately exposed to B. anthracis spores were interviewed; records were reviewed to identify additional persons in this area. Persons with positive nasal swabs had repeat swabs and serial serologic evaluation to measure antibodies to B. anthracis protective antigen (anti-PA). A total of 625 persons were identified as requiring prolonged chemoprophylaxis; 28 had positive nasal swabs. Repeat nasal swabs were negative at 7 days; none had developed anti-PA antibodies by 42 days after exposure. Early nasal swab testing is a useful epidemiologic tool to assess risk of exposure to aerosolized B. anthracis. Early, wide chemoprophylaxis may have averted an outbreak of anthrax in this population. KW - Bacillus anthracis KW - nasal swabs KW - epidemiology KW - bioterrorism KW - postexposure prophylaxis KW - United States DO - 10.3201/eid0810.020332 UR - https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/8/10/02-0332_article ER - End of Reference