DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 31, 2001 DHSS-DPH76-2001 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE MONITORS SUSPECT ANTHRAX CASE
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) announced Wednesday, Oct. 31 that a resident has been identified as a "suspect" cutaneous anthrax case by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after analysis of blood tests.
DPH was contacted by the CDC Tuesday evening with information that the man's blood sample was "reactive," meaning that his body is fighting an infection.
The 54-year-old northern New Castle County man, who is employed as a mail processor at the Belmar, NJ Post Office, contacted the DPH health information line Oct. 23 about a lesion on his wrist. He was advised to consult his primary care physician. Additional consultations with his physician, a specialist, and DPH epidemiologists resulted in the collection of a skin biopsy, which was sent to CDC, with additional test results pending.
The individual has received antibiotics since Oct. 23, but he is not currently hospitalized.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
