The powder from these letters contaminated the postal facilities they were processed through as well as the buildings where they were opened. Single maker a possibility, scientists now theorize . "There are many ways to do it."While experts consulted by the FBI believed early in the investigation that the anthrax might contain silica or other sophisticated additives to make it float more easily in the air, the consensus now is that no additives are present and that the anthrax was probably made using a relatively simple process, the scientists say.In order to get a better idea of what equipment and methods were used by the mail attacker, the FBI has asked scientists to try to "replicate" the mailed anthrax using different production techniques, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller told reporters Friday.The work will be performed at the Army's Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, where scientists have made tiny quantities of dangerous anthrax powder for many years to test detection equipment and decontamination procedures for U.S. troops.Matthew S. Meselson, a Harvard University biologist who has examined electron microscope photographs of the mailed anthrax for the FBI, said the powder appeared to be pure spores, but did contain some clumps, probably because of exposure to humidity. It suggests that the powder could have been prepared by a single person with the right knowledge in a relatively simple clandestine lab."There's really nothing all that special about it," said one of the scientists, who spoke on the condition that they not be identified. Anthrax powder from attacks could have been made simply. Humans have an increased risk of getting anthrax if they:If your doctor detects anthrax in your body, the test results will be sent to a public health department laboratory for confirmation.When used as a preventive measure, it’s a five-dose vaccine series given over an 18-month period. Powder Used in Anthrax Attacks 'Was Not Routine' By Joby Warrick, Washington Post Staff Writer. The vaccine is sometimes given to people who are likely to be exposed to anthrax through their occupation, for example, tannery workers, or to military personnel. Anthrax is a disease caused not by a virus, but rather by bacteria. No, because we don't have the person or persons responsible identified and charges being brought against them," Mueller said.Mueller said Friday that the FBI still believes in its profile of the anthrax attacker as a loner with some scientific training and access to Ames anthrax, a strain identified by the Army's biodefense lab at Fort Detrick in 1981 but distributed since then to at least two dozen other labs.The FBI appears to have focused on that theory for months, questioning dozens of scientists with ties to the U.S. biodefense program.
By Scott Shane, Sun Staff.
Treatment for anthrax depends if you’ve developed symptoms or not.Tests used to diagnose anthrax include:People who inhale anthrax usually develop symptoms within a week.