Bear river Health addresses public’s concern on anthrax
People should be alert, but at the same time should not be panicked about chemical or biological substances, such as Anthrax, Bear River Health Department, officials said at a press conference Tuesday.
Northern Utah has had no confirmed cases of Anthrax and is an unlikely target for this type of attack, said Mike Weibel, Bear River Health public information officer.
“If you see a white powdery substance, it is not a reason to panic,” Weibel said.
Weibel said the press conference was called because of the recent influx of calls. Monday, five people called to report suspicious white substances they believed were Anthrax.
None of these calls were regarded as hoaxes, said Lieutenant Von Williamson from the Cache Country Sheriff’s Office.
They were “legitimate concerns,” Williamson said.
“I almost feel sorry for the hazardous materials team having to respond to so many calls,” Weibel said.
Two of the calls were about magazines in plastic that seemed to be laced with a white substance. In both cases, the white residue is used to keep moisture out of the magazine and as an anti-static material said, Keith Larsen, member of the Bear River Health environmental health staff.
One call was from a woman who had purchased an old wardrobe three months ago. She called because she remembered that a white substance had been on the clothes.
Another call was from a person from a local store that saw a white substance on a shelf.
“This is not a reason to jump to conclusions,” Weibel said.
The last call was from someone who received a suspicious postcard.
Anyone who suspects they may have received Anthrax through the mail should use common sense, not panic and avoid jumping to conclusions, Weibel said.
He said if a person receives a suspicious package they should open it with caution. If it contains powder, use common sense and consider what the powder might be before calling 911.
“If an individual is at home, the chances are so remote that [the person is] going to receive anthrax,” Weibel said.
However, if a person actually receives the substance, “antibiotics are readily available” and “you can be treated right away,” he said.
“Health officials are urging people not to buy or horde antibiotics. People should also avoid taking antibiotics ‘just in case’ because such a practice could do more harm than good,” according to a Bear River Health press release.
Anthrax can be detected with electronic devices ordered before the Sept. 11 attacks, Williamson said. Right now, the equipment is on a “back log” because everyone wants it.
The equipment should come in about three weeks, he said.
If there are any questions or concerns, call Bear River Health at 792-6500.