Only a few days after 9/11, several people fell victim to letters that were laced with anthrax. The alleged person, who was a prime suspect of releasing this bacteria was Dr. Bruce Edward Ivins; he committed suicide in 2008, so he was not able to and could not be prosecuted (Shane). I feel Dr. Bruce Ivins knew the people of the United States were already in panic because of the 911 attack, and he knew that lacing letter with anthrax would cause complete pandemonium in the United States.
Anthrax is scientifically known as Bacillus anthracis (Johnston). There is a vaccine, but it is only available to those who are at higher risks; these people would include a mail handlers, soldiers, veterinarians because they could handle animals infected with the disease, or people who deal with livestock (Who Is at Risk). People that import animal hides and leather could also be at risk. One would have to be exposed to a source of anthrax spores that comes from contaminated water supplies or animals that are infected.
There were 22 cases linked to anthrax (Johnston). This bacterium can be contracted either through inhaling, ingesting or through the skin, but the most deadly way of catching anthrax is inhaling it. …show more content…
Anthrax can be contracted through the skin, if a cut or open area comes in contact with the bacterium. This is also called cutaneous anthrax. This can happen by handling some type of animal product, i.e. sheep wool, leather or animal hides, that have been contaminated with the disease. The symptoms are very mild at first, possibly just irritation or itching of the area of skin that may look like an insect bite. After a couple of days, it will develop an ulcerative area. A person who has contracted cutaneous anthrax can be treated with large doses of antibiotics. Death is usually rare in this type of contact, although if not treated, a person will eventually develop blood poisoning, which can be