ANTHRAX

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ANTHRAX

• How to Protect Yourself

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 Perspective

• Comparison of deaths from anthrax for the three
  weeks ended Thursday October 25, 2001 vs. deaths
  from selected causes for an average three-week
  period
• Sources American Cancer Society, Institute of
  Medicine, National Transportation Safety Board,
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association,
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
  International Shark Attack File, National Center
  for Health Statistics

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 Perspective

• Shark Attacks 0.06
• West Nile Virus 0.15
• Lightning Strikes 4
• Airline Crashes 5
• Firearm Accidents 48
• Prescription Drug Errors 404
• Aids 847

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 Perspective

• Murders 971
• Alcohol-induced 1,101
• Auto Accidents 2,448
• Flu-related 3,674
• Smoking-related 23,077

ANTHRAX 3
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Tips From The USPS

• 1. Do not handle the mail piece or package
  suspected of contamination
• 2. Notify your supervisor, who will immediately
  contact the local police, safety office or
  designated person
• 3. Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages
  are isolated and the immediate areas are cordoned
  off
• 4. DO NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. COVER the
  spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g.,
  clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not
  remove this cover!

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Tips From The USPS

• 5. Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or
  section off the area to prevent others from
  entering (i.e., keep others away)
• 6. Ensure that all persons who have touched the
  mail piece wash their hands with soap and water
• 7. Designated officials will notify local,
  county and state health departments
• 8. Designated officials will notify the state
  emergency manager

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Tips From The USPS

• 9. List all persons who have touched the letter
  and/or envelope. Include contact information.
  Provide the list to the postal inspector
• 10. Place all items worn when in contact with the
  suspected mail piece in plastic bags and have
  them available for law enforcement agents
• 11. As soon as practical, shower with soap and
  water

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Tips From The USPS

• 12. If prescribed medication by medical
  personnel, take it until otherwise instructed or
  it runs out
• 13. If necessary, the designated person will call
  the Center for Disease Control Emergency Response
  at [phone] for answers to any questions

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Centralize All Mail Handling

• Each agency should review ways to centralize
  their mail handling procedures as much as
  possible. Any centralization reduces possible
  exposure by reducing the number of employees
  handling mail

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Effects of an Anthrax Attack
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Protection
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Typical Dust Mask
The 3M 8210 particulate respirator is designed to
help provide quality protection against certain
solid and non-oil based aerosol particles. It
provides a minimum of 95 efficiency. Meets NIOSH
42 CFR 84 N95 requirements. Lightweight
construction. Adjustable nose clip.
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Particulate (Dust) Masks

• The Anthrax spores can be smaller than what the
  dust mask is designed to filter. Also, the dust
  mask does not provide a seal around the face and
  air flows through the gaps created by the mask
• Training Be sure you have received proper
  training in the use of the dust mask

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Rubber Gloves

• Good protection for the hands, especially if you
  have any broken areas on the skin
• Also reminds you to wash thoroughly once you
  remove the gloves due to the powder lining
• Training Be sure you have been shown how to
  properly remove the gloves so as to minimize
  exposure to the skin

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Anthrax Training from the Capital Police

• Mail Room Call
• Powder on Floor under chair
• Break Room Call