Postal workers on high anthrax alert (From Times Series)

Postal workers on high anthrax alert

10:51am Wednesday 31st October 2001

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POSTAL workers in south east London and north Kent are on a heightened state of alert since the terrorist attacks in America.

The alert is in response to anthrax letters which have been sent to individuals in the United States.

So far there have been 14 confirmed cases of anthrax in the outbreak, including eight cases of the inhalation versions of the disease.

Three people have died from inhalation anthrax, four are now undergoing treatment in hospitals, and one patient has recovered sufficiently to go home.

Six people in New York and New Jersey are being treated for the less dangerous skin form of anthrax.

More than 10,000 people who may have been exposed to the bacteria have been urged to begin taking antibiotics as a precaution. A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “We have been on a heightened state of alert since September 11 and staff are constantly being briefed by management.

“Postal workers are being asked to be extra vigilant in regards to suspect packages.”

When asked if people working at the sorting offices were wearing gloves or masks to protect themselves from the possibility of anthrax, a spokesman said they could not comment on specific details.

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