| Home > Resources > Leadership > Executive Summary > Case Studies Case Study 2001, Anthrax Evades Easy Answers During the 2001 anthrax attacks, the public and decision-makers alike were frustrated by the lack of immediate answers to basic, factual questions. Who did this? How many letters were involved? Who came in contact with the letters? Health authorities and clinicians had to make critical decisions without having complete scientific knowledge. What is the best treatment? Who should receive preventive antibiotics and for how long? How many anthrax spores cause sickness? Which mailrooms should be closed and surveyed? Apparent inconsistencies and gaps in the government's response fostered more uncertainty. Were officials withholding information about the severity of the attack? Was treatment for postal workers really different from that offered to Capitol Hill employees and, if so, why?
References
Toole, T. Congressional testimony, terrorism through the mail: Protecting postal workers and the public (part II). U.S. Senate Committee on Government Affairs, Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation and Federal Services.
Inglesby TV. Congressional testimony, the state of public health preparedness for terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction -- a six month report card. U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. |
