[Ann Archy]

I think you are correct. Anthrax occurs naturally around us an possibly was just taken for pneumonia.

[Lessismore]

According to CDC statistics, in 1998 there were over 90,000 deaths from pneumonia. Rate per 100,000 individuals rises steeply with age.

[Kevin Curry]

I think you are correct. Anthrax occurs naturally around us an possibly was just taken for pneumonia.

That is the simplest, most elegant, and likely explanation at this point. It doesn't mean terrorists aren't behind this, but in the absence of more concrete evidence pointing to terrorists, anthrax misdiagnosed as pneumonia (or some other pulmonary disease) is arguably the better explanation.