Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Anthrax

Anthrax Fact Sheet for Residents of 31 Downing Street

Last Revised on March 7, 2006

Click here to download the PDF version of this fact sheet.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) continues to investigate the case of inhalation (lung) anthrax diagnosed this week in a New York City resident who had crafted drums from untreated animal hides, long known as a possible source of naturally occurring anthrax. No other cases have been suspected or confirmed.

Confirmed results were received earlier today for the patient's apartment, and, not unexpectedly, we found anthrax bacteria in his apartment. We continue to believe that there is virtually no risk to anyone who lives in this building. Out of an abundance of caution, the City has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to clean the patient's apartment in this building. The patient's apartment will be cleaned early next week.

Although the risk associated with the corridors and hallways of this apartment building is virtually nonexistent, we will also clean the common areas in the building. During the cleaning of the hallway and common areas, we ask that residents not be in their apartments for 8-12 hours. We also expect to clean the hallway next week and will provide residents with 24 hour notice before doing so.

Additionally, while other apartments at this location are not at risk, if residents are concerned, professional cleaning will be provided, if requested.

If you are a resident of 31 Downing Street and want more information, please call 212 764-7667 and ask for the environmental medical specialist on call.

To reiterate: inhalation anthrax is NOT spread from person to person, and there is NO risk to anyone who has had contact with the patient or who attended performances or purchased drums from him.

• • What is the latest update with the cleaning in the building? UPDATED
• • Will workers wear protective gear? Do I need to vacate the building during this cleaning? UPDATED
• • Who will conduct the cleanup? UPDATED
• • What is anthrax?
• • As a building resident, do I need antibiotics to prevent anthrax infection?

What is the latest update with the cleaning in the building?

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) contractor cleaned the patient's apartment, as well as all common areas in 31 Downing Street . Results of post-cleaning sampling show that two areas in the patient's apartment still test positive for anthrax. While we continue to believe that any risks posed by this anthrax are extremely low, and it is not necessary to re-clean all areas of the building or ask all residents to vacate the premises, out of an abundance of caution, we think it is prudent to re-clean the areas with the positive results.

EPA expects to begin and complete all re-cleaning on Wednesday, March 8. For this re-cleaning, it is not necessary for other residences to be vacant; only the residence immediately adjacent to the apartment where the cleaning will take place needs to be empty. Again, this is because of the chemicals used in the cleaning process.

The cleaning will begin at 9am and be complete by 5pm.

Will workers wear protective gear? Do I need to vacate the building during this cleaning?

Workers will wear appropriate gear - masks, gloves, and coveralls – to protect them from contact with the cleaning solution. For this re-cleaning, it is not necessary for other residences to be vacant; only people in the apartment immediately adjacent to the apartment where the cleaning will take place need be out of their apartment.

Who will conduct the cleanup?

An EPA contractor for the building owner will conduct the cleanup with oversight by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA will review and approve all work plans for the cleanup.

Public health and environmental officials continue to believe that any risks posed by this anthrax are extremely low, and it is not necessary to re-clean all areas of the building or ask all residents to vacate the premises. If you are a resident of 31 Downing Street and want more information, please call 212.442.2640.

What is anthrax?

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is capable of forming spores. A spore is a cell that is dormant (asleep) but may come to life in the right conditions. Spores can survive in the environment and remain infectious for a long time, even years.

There are three types of anthrax:

• • Skin (cutaneous)
• • Lungs (inhalational)
• • Stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal)

As a building resident, do I need antibiotics to prevent anthrax infection?

No. Anthrax is not spread from person to person such as living in the same building or sharing office space. People should only take antibiotics to prevent or treat anthrax if they have been exposed to the bacteria.

The course of antibiotic treatment to prevent anthrax infection is long (60 days) and people may experience side effects. Although most side effects are mild, severe side effects may occur (such as diarrhea, abdominal symptoms, rash, and allergic reactions) and the use of antibiotics may interfere with other medications you may currently be taking. In addition, the inappropriate use of antibiotics may cause the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

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