MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 11, 2004

NOTIFICATION OF AN INCIDENT IN THE SHIPMENT OF ANTHRAX FOR SOUTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SRI)A

June 11, 2004 - Frederick, MarylandA

Michael G. Murray, PhD, Director of Infectious Disease at Southern Research Institute in Frederick, notified Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty of an incident involving the shipment of anthrax from SRI Frederick to Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI).

According to Dr. Murray, several laboratory workers at CHORI are being treated for exposure to anthrax as a precautionary measure. No workers show any symptoms of illness or exposure. The anthrax was shipped from SRI Frederick. SRI Frederick indicates the anthrax had been de-activated and was "dead" anthrax prior to shipment.

No employees at SRI Frederick are believed to be exposed to live anthrax outside the BSL 3 laboratories, which are under strict control.

The Centers for Disease Control and the Bioterrorism Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigations are investigating the incident.

The City of Frederick followed its notification procedures upon receipt of the information and does not believe that anyone is at risk at this time. The City will await the results of the FBI and CDC investigation.

"I appreciate the early notification from SRI Frederick and their willingness to explain the process that may have led to this incident. Since the matter is still under investigation, I cannot judge whether it is a serious problem or a quirk of nature. As hard as we try to control the bacteria and viral agents in the world, science still has its limits," said Mayor Dougherty, "I am pleased that from all reports no one is suffering any health affects. I hope that remains the case."

For additional information, please contact Stephanie Davis, Executive Assistant to the Mayor at 301-600-1384.