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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2002
Precautionary testing: Three samples from 71
locations show presence of B. anthracis
WALLINGFORD, CT - Precautionary testing for the presence of B. anthracis contamination at the Southern Connecticut Processing and Distribution Center April 21 resulted in three positive samples out of 101 taken in 71 locations in the facility's high-bay area.
State health officials indicate that there is no immediate health risk to employees and do not recommend the distribution of antibiotics to employees.
"No employees will work in the affected area until we are absolutely sure no contamination exists," said Bill Galligan, district manager, Connecticut District. Galligan reiterated that employee safety is the Postal Service's first concern.
Plans call for the area where contamination was found, and a safety zone around it, to be closed while the area is decontaminated.
"Testing was a precautionary measure. We wanted to be absolutely sure that our employees who perform routine high-bay area cleaning were safe," Galligan said. The Postal Service used a highly effective High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) vacuum system to collect the samples.
The U.S. Postal Service has worked closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and public health officials on this issue.
Local mail service will not be affected during the decontamination period.
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