The head of Iowa’s Department of Public Health cautions Iowans about over-reacting to news of another case of anthrax. It was announced yesterday that an assistant to N-B-C anchor Tom Brokaw got anthrax from a letter. Department of Public Health director Stephen Gleason held a news conference Friday afternoon to downplay the threat. He says the “national hysteria” is going to be more damaging than the anthrax itself. Gleason says there will probably be more people getting sick from unneeded antibiotics than anthrax. Gleason says the national hysteria about anthrax is way out of proportion.
Gleason says he wants to remind Iowans there’s been one anthrax death in a country of 250 million people. Gleason says people who open mail should be wary of letters or packages without a return address, and if you receive mail that has a suspicious powdery substance or liquid, put it in a bag, wash your hands and call 9-1-1.
Gleason says the chances of a terrorist targeting an Iowa business is “very, very, very small.” However, since all the recent cases of anthrax have targeted the media, Gleason met last night with Des Moines-area media executives to answer any questions about a potential threat.
Gleason says his agency has had a “steady stream” of questions from businesses and individuals who’re worried about opening mail. One business wanted all its employees tested. A university in the state is worried all its students will seek testing for possible anthrax exposure. Gleason says there’s no need for panic. He says this is what the terrorist want, Americans running around scared to death.
For the latest public health information about anthrax, check out idph.state.ia.us on the Internet.
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