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From The MMWR: Investigation of Anthrax Associated with Intentional Exposure and Interim Public
Health Guidelines, October 2001
On 04 October 2001, CDC and state and local public health authorities reported a case of inhalational
anthrax in Florida. Additional cases of anthrax subsequently have been reported from Florida and New York City. This report
updates the findings of these case investigations, which indicate that infections were caused by the intentional release of Bacillus
anthracis. This report also includes interim guidelines for postexposure prophylaxis for prevention of inhalational anthrax and
other information to assist epidemiologists, clinicians, and laboratorians responding to intentional anthrax exposures. more
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Recognition Of Illness Associated With The Intentional Release Of A Biologic Agent
On 11 September 2001, following the terrorist incidents in New York City and Washington, DC,
CDC recommended heightened surveillance for any unusual disease occurrence or increased numbers of illnesses that might be
associated with the terrorist attacks. Subsequently, cases of anthrax in Florida and New York City have demonstrated the risks
associated with intentional release of biologic agents. This report from the CDC provides guidance for health-care providers and
public health personnel about recognizing illnesses or patterns of illness that might be associated with intentional release of
biologic agents. more
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Law Enfocement Officials, FBI, Skeptical Of Link Between Anthrax Cases And Terrorists
According to Newsweek, FBI officials are skeptical that the anthrax cases reported at NBC,
Microsoft and American Media Inc. came from Osama bin Laden or any other known terrorist. The connections so far are
circumstantial and although authorities haven't ruled out that connection, says one senior U.S. official, "my instinct says it's a nut
case." And while the few cases do not mark an epidemic and anthrax is not contagious, they are unprecedented and the worry is
spreading. more
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Cipro Side Effects: Epilepsy Foundation Warns Of Seizures In Select Individuals
Medical advisors to the Epilepsy Foundation warned today that fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as
Cipro (ciprofloxacin), which are the first line of defense for anthrax, can in certain circumstances induce seizures in people with
epilepsy and other individuals who might be at risk for seizures due to family history or previous central nervous system insults
such as head trauma, stroke, tumor, or infection. more
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Facts About Anthrax Argue For Greater Calm
The current anthrax scare would abate if the public understood the basic science behind the disease
and its transmission, according to a Swarthmore College microbiologist. more
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