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continued to be identified for several days before the
source was determined. Epidemiological studies and mapping
demonstrated that the reported cases were primarily confined
to a sub-division of Hometown. Local sanitarians assisted
the state health department and the CDC in testing common
food and drinking sources. Sampling of home water filter
units in this community confirmed the presence of anthrax
spores. Consultation with the local water utility showed
that this area shared a single branch of the distribution
system. It was believed that someone was able to apply
back pressure and introduce the anthrax pathogen. Following
this discovery, the entire system was flushed out, and
citizens were assisted in decontamination techniques.
All three of the critical cases that initially presented
to the emergency department died of gastrointestinal
anthrax. Although 98 cases were suspicious, only 23
were confirmed by the CDC lab. Five came from autopsy
specimens. The FBI has an ongoing criminal investigation
to identify those responsible.
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