All of us were concerned to hear today's report that an employee at NBC in Rockefeller Center tested positive for anthrax, following earlier reports of cases in Florida. I want to share with you the information and guidance we have received from federal, state and city health officials, as well as infectious disease experts at our Health Sciences campus.

First, about the disease: Anthrax is an infectious disease that occurs most commonly in hoofed mammals, but can also infect humans. Historically, most cases have resulted from occupational contact with animal products such as wool or hides. It cannot be transmitted from one human to another.

There are three types of anthrax. Pulmonary anthrax is contracted by breathing concentrated anthrax spores. This is the type of anthrax that was identified in the recent Florida cases. Cutaneous anthrax is contracted by exposure of the skin to anthrax bacterium, especially if there is a cut or abrasion. This is the type of anthrax reported today in New York. There have been no recent reported cases of the third type, gastrointestinal, which is contracted by eating undercooked meat from a contaminated animal. All three can be treated with antibiotics.

Pulmonary anthrax is by far the most serious disease. Cutaneous anthrax --- the type contracted by the NBC employee - is marked by a boil-like lesion that forms an ulcer with a black center, and is highly responsive to prompt treatment.

It would be unlikely for anyone to be exposed without being aware of something odd having occurred - for example having opened an envelope containing dust or a powder, or having been directly sprayed with dust, powder, or liquid.

As a precaution, we should all be alert and report any suspicious package or suspected exposure to Campus Security at X-99 from any ROLM phone, 854-5555 on Morningside Heights, or 305-8100 on the Health Sciences campus; or the New York City Police at 212 678-1311 in Morningside Heights, or 212 927-3200 at Health Sciences.

You should be aware that, at this time, none of the responsible city, state or federal authorities are recommending either testing or the use of antibiotics for anyone other than the currently identified individuals associated with the Rockefeller Center exposure. However, if you are not feeling well, please see a doctor promptly. Health and Related Services will be open for its regular Saturday hours from 10:00AM to 3:30PM on October 13th, and we will have staff available on Sunday October 14 by calling 212 854-2284 from 10am to 3:30 pm as well. As always, if you have health concerns after hours, please call our on-call clinician at 212 415-0120.

We will send you updates by email and/or phone mail as needed, and we will provide updated information on the University Web sites of Health and Related Services and Environmental Health and Radiation Safety. Meanwhile, you may want to check the New York City Department of Health's web site or call the City's information line at 877 817-7621.

Please keep in mind that the chances of coming into contact with the bacterium are extremely remote, but we thought that it was important to provide this information to you and hope it will be helpful.

Jane Bedell, M.D.
Medical Director
Health and Related Services