U.S. Military Accidentally Sends Live Anthrax

U.S. lab workers were surprised when inactive spores they expected to receive was actually samples of live anthrax. The mistake may have affected 9 labs across the U.S.

Came from 1 military base in South Korea. 22 people at the Osan Air Base in South Korea are receiving precautionary treatment. n investigation is currently underway.

Medical precautionary measures underway include:

o Examinations

o Antibiotics

o Vaccinations

None of the personnel have shown any signs of exposure. Samples have been destroyed.

Defense department has temporarily stopped shipment of anthrax until the investigation is completed

How did this happen? Experts do not believe it was human error. One year ago CDC was reported to have sent live—instead of inactive—anthrax to labs.

No one contracted the disease. CDC shut down their shipment of the infectious disease temporarily.

Live anthrax shipped frequently to labs. There are specific protocols in place.

Protective gear, so researchers are able to handle the samples safely.

What is Anthrax?

Rare disease caused by a bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis. CDC reports that anthrax is the biological agent most likely to be used in a terrorist attack. Military labs do research on these pathogens as for defense against bio-terrorism. Mishandling could seriously impact public trust on this type of research.