Anthrax diagnosis reported in Florida

Fox News Channel | October 4, 2001

[VA Advogado]

Doesn't anthrax take a few days to appear --- we could have 1000's of people that were exposed at around the same time and not know why they're getting sick.

His age is what makes me nervous. These things are suppose to hit the more elderly first. At least in terms out the outbreak of symptoms.

[Poohbah]

So you're saying that people who engage in panic-mongering without verifying that what they're posting is factual should get a pass? Saying that anthrax infection can ONLY be the product of biological warfare is engaging in a false statement. If it is done in ignorance, then it's simply irresponsible. If it's done knowing that it's false, it's malicious. Neither one should be tolerated when it's something THIS serious.

[Tree of Liberty]

The mod's right. I was still editing mine when the first one was posted. That's why I've commented much more on the thread that's still in Breaking News.

[piasa]

WRONG.

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common manifestation of infection with B. anthracis. Inhalation (pulmonary) anthrax occurs in persons working in certain occupations where spores may be forced into the air from contaminated animal products, such as animal hair processing. Occupational risk groups include those coming into contact with livestock or products from livestock, e.g., veterinarians, animal handlers, abattoir workers, and laboratorians.

SOURCE

[Dog Gone]

Thompson and HHS better communicate that quickly, forcefully and convincingly to everyone or there will be a mass panic over this.

There probably will be anyway. Everybody with any sort of flu symptom in Miami is going to assume that they have anthrax. It's going to be impossible for any of us to know whether they're right, or whether it is hysteria. But I expect those reports, and nothing Thompson can say will be convincing.

[VA Advogado]

BurkeanCyclist owes freedomnews an apology.

Freedomnews usually posts provocative, yet very accurate news. Often the first to post breaking information. BurkeanCyclist, on the other hand, I find rather useless to this discussion, to this thread, to this forum. I also find him very annoying. Burkean, you need to apologize profusely to Freedomnews.

[Democratic_Machiavelli]

yeah, 'sow panic' is 'mad cow' for pigs. that's a joke, please don't ban me.

[Pericles]

You are right of course there are other ways to get Anthrax. But I was not speaking on that. freedomnews was not attempting to spread rumors or cause a panic. It is very, very, very, very, very hard for someone to catch anthrax in a natural way. I can see why someone would assume that it was not an accident. That is not a banning offense.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

Question : If I understand correctly, inhalation anthrax is a Respiratory Disease, but it is not an airborne pathogen. Correct?

Next question : Hepatitis A is especially disgusting when you consider how you get it....which why handwashing is so very, very important. It is also why in a restaurant,signs are on the wall instructing employees to wash their hands. When everyone washes hands throughly after a bathroom break, the incidence of HepA bottoms out. Would a consistent practice of universal precautions have a dramatic effect on the spread of anthrax?

[JudyB1938]

I have a very high sense of morality, and I take deep offense at those who attack other people with snide remarks. I've noticed your jerk responses to more than just the person on this thread! You are pitiful. That's why I will ignore any more of your stupid comments. I have much better things to do than to help you massage your deflated ego so that you can respond with what YOU consider wit.

[winodog]

Very well put. I agree 100%

[Poohbah]

I must respectfully disagree.

It's one thing to say it's RARE, it's another to say it's IMPOSSIBLE. How much do you want to bet that some FReepers who read that immediately went to MOPP-4 and assumed that all hell was about to break loose any second when they read that supposed "fact" from freedomnews?

[VA Advogado]

You are pitiful.

You go girl!

[Scott from the Left Coast]

immediately start the carpet bombing

Afghan carpets are pretty nice, I'd rather spare the carpets and bomb the people.

OK, sorry for injecting bad-taste humor into a terribly serious subject (about the 10th terribly serious subject we've had today). But we could use some relief now and then.

[Pericles]

like I said in #69.

[BurkeanCyclist]

I guess spreading panic is preferable to trying to stop people from spreading panic.

To hell with it.

[Jolly Rodgers]

How much do you want to bet that some FReepers who read that immediately went to MOPP-4 and assumed that all hell was about to break loose any second when they read that supposed "fact" from freedomnews?

I have visions of people sitting in front of their computer with Free Republic on the screen, trying to figure out how to drink a beer with the infernal gas mask on. ;-)

[Pericles]

I hope not.

[piasa]

Thanks- it is more important to speak out against outright falsehoods than to worry about someone's feelings, particularly in a situation like this, where misinformation and exaggeration play into the terrorist's hands and work for their agenda. Not everyone intends to be misleading but there are plenty who go out of their way to be sensational, and a few whose motives I do question.