In the wake of a Anthrax-related death in Florida and possible outbreaks in New York City, New Hampshire officials say they are taking steps to ensure citizen safety.
ANTHRAX 10/12/01 ROGERS
In the wake of a Anthrax-related death in Florida and possible outbreaks in New York City, New Hampshire officials say they are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of state citizens. NHPR?s Josh Rogers has more.
At an afternoon press briefing, Governor Shaheen stressed that now is the time for forbearance, not alarm.
"We have no reason to believe that anyone in New Hampshire is at risk but we do want to make sure members of the media have information, that we can share with members of the public about anthrax and other biological threats."
Chief among that information were guidelines for handing mail suspected of being contaminated with anthrax. They amount to basic common sense?. Exercise heightened vigilance?..report suspicious packages or any powder dusted letter?.and wash hands and or surfaces that touch suspicious parcels with a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. But warnings aside, State Epidemiologist Dr. Jesse Greenblatt ecohed the Governor?s call for cool heads and standard operating procedures..
"We want to reassert again that there is no threat here in New Hampshire that has been identified of this and we don?t believe anyone should be modifying there mail handling practices of their mail handing in general based on any threat of anthrax currently in New Hampshire."
But even so, Greenblatt says the state is closely monitoring all hospital emergency room intakes for possible anthrax cases. He also assures the state is marshalling adequate quantities of Cipro, the antibiotic used to treat anthrax ??
"We?re working with medical providers thought the state to identify those types of supplies. In addition we have access to federal stockpiles on in moments notice in case their available and that includes both anti-biotics and vaccines."
Greenblatt says citizens seeking further information on anthrax should visit the state website at www. Dhhs.state.nh.us. There?s also an state anthrax crisis hotline at 1-800-852-3345.
