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Anthrax in
Washington State
Nine cases of human
anthrax have been recorded in Washington State since 1924; the
last human case of anthrax
occurred in 1954. Potential exposures in Washington for
cutaneous anthrax include out of state or international animal
products (meat, hides, wool, hair, bone meal) or travel to
areas where anthrax is endemic. A single case of pulmonary
anthrax would be suggestive of bioterrorism.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
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To identify rare diseases
associated with travel.
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To identify sources of
transmission in the US (e.g., imported wool, livestock, or
soil) and to stop transmission from such sources.
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To raise the index of suspicion of
a possible bioterrorism event if no natural exposure source is
identified.
Reporting Requirements
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Health care providers: immediately notifiable to Local Health
Jurisdiction
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Hospitals: immediately notifiable to Local Health Jurisdiction
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Laboratories: immediately notifiable to Local Health
Jurisdiction, specimen submission required
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Local health jurisdictions: suspected or confirmed cases are
immediately notifiable to DOH Communicable Disease
Epidemiology: 1-877-539-4344
Last
update
Oct. 2006 |
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