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For Release Monday, 15th
October, 2001
Press
Contact: (561)-712-6488
/ (561)-712-6400
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL -- The Palm Beach County Health Department, Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that the 73- year-old male employee of American Media Inc., hospitalized since the beginning of October, has been diagnosed as a case of anthrax disease.
The overall picture of clinical symptoms combined with positive results on laboratory tests suggests to health officials that this individual has anthrax disease. The diagnosis cannot be yet confirmed according to the strictest diagnostic criteria, which require isolation of the bacteria from a clinical specimen such as blood, lung samples or spinal fluid. The individual has been receiving appropriate anthrax treatment since his hospitalization due to his connection with the current anthrax investigation in Palm Beach County. His condition is improving and the public health officials are encouraged by his progress.
This is the second case, though not confirmed by the strictest diagnostic criteria, identified as part of the ongoing investigation in Palm Beach County. The first case was reported in early October, resulting in a full scale public health investigation. The investigative team made up of the Florida Department of Health, CDC and Palm Beach County Health Department continues to pursue the individuals who have been potentially exposed and locations of possible contamination.
To date, there have not been any additional illnesses associated with this epidemiological investigation. Public health officials do not expect to see any additional illness because more than two weeks have passed since the index case was potentially infected with anthrax disease. This type of anthrax usually has an incubation period of one to seven days from exposure to onset of symptoms.
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