Deadly Bacteria Detected in US Capital During Anti-War March
Deadly Bacteria Detected in US Capital During Anti-War March: "WASHINGTON - A deadly bacteria listed among bioterrorism agents was detected in the US capital last month during a mass protest against the Iraq war.
District of Columbia Health Director Doctor Gregg Pane told WTOP Radio late Saturday that biological agent monitors on the National Mall, an esplanade in downtown Washington, gave positive readings for a small amount of tularemia on September 24 and 25.
The sensors are operated by the Department of Homeland Security, but officials were not notified of the potential hazard until Friday, according to Pane.
'We've stepped up our surveillance and have notified doctors in the area about what to look for,' Pane told the radio station.
He urged people who were at the Mall last weekend and who have been experiencing symptoms of pneumonia to immediately seek medical help, but added that there was no evidence that anyone had been affected by the bacteria.
First Lady Laura Bush was among those visiting the affected area at the time.
Tularemia, which is caused by the bacterium francisella tularensis, can occur naturally and is usually found in animals, especially rodents, rabbits and hares, according to federal health officials.
Symptoms include sudden fever, headaches, diarrhea, joint pain, cough and progressive weakness.
But the disease can be fatal if it is not treated with the right antibiotics, officials said."
District of Columbia Health Director Doctor Gregg Pane told WTOP Radio late Saturday that biological agent monitors on the National Mall, an esplanade in downtown Washington, gave positive readings for a small amount of tularemia on September 24 and 25.
The sensors are operated by the Department of Homeland Security, but officials were not notified of the potential hazard until Friday, according to Pane.
'We've stepped up our surveillance and have notified doctors in the area about what to look for,' Pane told the radio station.
He urged people who were at the Mall last weekend and who have been experiencing symptoms of pneumonia to immediately seek medical help, but added that there was no evidence that anyone had been affected by the bacteria.
First Lady Laura Bush was among those visiting the affected area at the time.
Tularemia, which is caused by the bacterium francisella tularensis, can occur naturally and is usually found in animals, especially rodents, rabbits and hares, according to federal health officials.
Symptoms include sudden fever, headaches, diarrhea, joint pain, cough and progressive weakness.
But the disease can be fatal if it is not treated with the right antibiotics, officials said."
posted by Blackgold at 3:25 PM
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