In the past couple weeks, concerns over the threat of anthrax as a tool of terrorism have circulated in the media.  The University has prepared information, guidelines and resources for the campus community to deal more effectively with an incident should one occur at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. 

However, it is important to keep the risks of an exposure to anthrax in perspective.  Any letters sent through the mail that were contaminated with anthrax were addressed to high profile figures in the government and the media.  The vast majority of anthrax scares have been hoaxes.  The U. S. Postal Service has delivered more than 20 billion pieces of mail since the tragedy of September 11, 2001.  A limited number of cases of anthrax disease have been contracted thus far.  In additional cases, anthrax spores were found in mucous from a nose, or a skin sample.  This simply means that there was an exposure to the bacteria.  It does not mean that the person has been infected with the anthrax disease.  In some cases, limited numbers of spores were found on a nose swab.  This can occur from having contact with soil as anthrax is a common inhabitant of the soil.  The medical community has expressed that at least 8,000 - 10,000 spores are needed to infect an individual.  Further, anthrax is treatable with antibiotics and is not contagious.  

Although chances of coming into contact with the anthrax bacteria are remote, it is extremely important we take any and all necessary precautions to protect ourselves from this latest terrorist action. 

Hazardous Materials in the Laboratory 

There is no research taking place at the University involving the use of anthrax or other materials identified as dangerous "select agents" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Click here http://www.cdc.gov/od/sap and then browse down to "The Select Agents" (Select Biological Agents and Toxins) to see this list.  However, extra precautions are being taken for securing all hazardous materials in the laboratories. 

Guidelines for Handling Mail 

If you receive a suspicious letter or package: 

• Do not try to open the package.  (Do not shake)  If there is spilled powder, do not try to clean it up.
• Isolate the package.  (Place in a plastic bag and seal or place a cloth over it)
• Evacuate the immediate area, close the door.  (Keep others away)
• WASH hands and exposed skin with soap and water.
• Call Public Safety at X7000 and give them your exact location.

Public Safety will respond and will contact local, state or federal authorities, as appropriate. 

Information sessions have been provided for mail-handlers at the University by the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety Department and the Pubic Safety Department. 

How to Identify Suspicious Packages and Letters 

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include the following: 

• Excessive postage
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles
• Title, but no name
• Misspellings of common words
• Oily stains, discolorations or odor (Do not sniff package)
• No return address
• Excessive weight
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
• Visual distractions
• Ticking sound
• Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
• Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

For additional information regarding anthrax, link to the following resources: 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CDC)

http://www.bt.cdc.gov

CDC Anthrax Update             10/18/01

http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/qatext.htm#1 

Federal Bureau of Investigation

http://www.fbi.gov