[Sungirl]

I work right down the street from this Anthrax riddled bldg....and I am not worried one spore. I will bet this happens alot but they only took the time to look into this becuz of 9-11-01. They say they thought it was spinal menengitis...but went a step further in this case...I wonder how many other misdiagnosis's there were.

[Endeavor]

No, it doesn't happen "alot." Anthrax is endemic in only certain parts of the US and Florida isn't one of those spots. And even in endemic areas it is very uncommon.

How do we usually see it, if we ever see it? Usually in animals - primarily sheep or cattle. One of the first things you learn in infectious disease class in veterinary school is "if you are called out to post (autopsy) a dead cow and she has blood coming out her orifices (sorry)do NOT open her up right there in the field without getting a complete history and eliminating other causes of death. If you are unlucky enough to post her anyway and you find a 'blackberry jelly spleen,' you are in deep sh*t."

Does this mean we should all be apopletic over this - we shouldn't, just yet. However, the CDC and FBI should be and they are, so hold onto your undies and don't get 'em in a wad just yet.

Endeavor