GSA course teaches how to handle anthrax threats
An online General Services Administration course that offers tips on dealing with anthrax threats in mailrooms is drawing the interest of federal employees.
According to a spokeswoman, GSA developed the course, "How to Respond to an Anthrax Threat in a Mail Center", more than a year ago because of potential chemical and biological threats to businesses and government agencies where mail centers can be used as a means of entry.
Anthrax has long been considered a potential tool of terrorists trying to kill or sicken large numbers of people. Because an attack would probably not be obvious until large numbers of people had been infected, it could be particularly deadly. Across the country, several incidents of anthrax-contaminated envelopes have been reported in the past week and, in one case, resulted in the death of a Florida man who was exposed to the disease.
The growing threat of mail-borne bioterrorism attacks make it critical for people handling mail to know the best way to respond to an anthrax threat, the GSA spokeswoman said, adding that a quick and efficient initial response can help eliminate confusion later.
Areas the course focuses on include:
- A history of chemical and biological warfare, and why it is a threat.
- A definition of biological weapons.
- Forms that anthrax may take.
- Symptoms and effects of an anthrax exposure.
- Treatment for anthrax exposure.
- Steps to take immediately if anthrax is suspected.
- Resources available to help in the event of a threat.
While the course is targeted to mail center managers, other federal employees and people from the private sector can take the online course.
GSA employees should click here to register for the course. Other federal employees should click here to register. Private sector employees interested in taking the course should click here for registration and cost information.
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