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Spurred by reports of Anthraxdeaths in the America, from which over
90 percent of imports arrive, following extensive tests, Officialssay ...
Anthrax Not Here
Mrs. SherriBodden-Cowan
In spiteof a numerous reports of Anthrax-like substances being found inenvelopes and other containers at various locations no residentsof Cayman Islands have so far been afflicted as none of the casesturned up the deadly spores.
The Public Health Services department isreporting that as of Monday, 19 November, 36 items had been testedlocally for Anthrax and all proved negative.
Since the Anthrax scare began about twomonths ago in the USA, where four people have died from inhalation,mail and other packages have been turning up at the home and workplacesof Caymanians with reportedly powdery contents, the form in whichthe Anthrax substance has been appearing in the US. Additionallythere were a number of cases here in which recipients were simplysuspicious of unusual mail.
Just last week there were two reports ina single day of the suspicious substance being discovered.
In one of those instances on the morningof Wednesday, 12 November, employees found the powdery substancein an envelope attached to a box in a container at the warehouseof Markson's Furniture in the Way-To-Go Building on Compass Drive.Two staff who found and opened the package were advised to seekmedical treatment.
Police reported that in the afternoon employeesat a hardware store on Eastern Avenue said they found a plasticbag containing a white powder hanging inside a container thatwas being unloaded. That bag was hanging from the roof of thecontainer near to the door but was intact and not touched by theemployees.
The Public Health Services said that 29of the items tested locally were pieces of regular mail whileseven contained suspicious powder.
Government Information Service (GIS) reportedMedical Officer of Health, Dr Kiran Kumar, saying that most ofthe items turned over for testing was owing to public concernbased on their region of origin like the Middle East.
"Even if no spores are found, the itemis tested for growth of any organisms. This test takes 14 to 24hours. As an extra precaution, regardless of the presence or absenceof powder, swabs are taken from the inside and outside of thepackage or envelope," Dr Kumar said.
According to GIS, Dr Kumar said that powdersubstances are also analysed for drugs, but added that elaboratetesting is required to specifically identify the exact natureof the substances. "In general, the laboratory focuses itstesting on ruling out anthrax and drugs," he commented.
Persons who are exposed to powder substancesdo not need to attend a health facility, but are advised to waituntil the RCIP or the Fire Services officials reach the sceneand assess the situation. All persons possibly exposed to anyitem that tests positive for anthrax would be offered antibiotics,Dr. Kumar said.
For more information please contact PublicHealth Services on 244-2621; the Royal Cayman Islands Police on949-4222; or the Cayman Islands Postal Services at 949 2474