CDC lab staff potentially exposed to anthrax

Approximately 75 CDC workers in Atlanta may have been unintentionally exposed to anthrax after established safety practices were not followed, according to a media statement.

The CDC is monitoring the staff and providing protective courses of antibiotics to those potentially exposed to anthrax. The CDC stated that the risk for infection is very low, but it is taking necessary precautions to protect the staff’s health. It also stated that other CDC staff, family members and the general public are not at risk of exposure.

During the investigation, it was found that one of the Roybal campus biosafety level 3 (BSL3) labs was preparing Bacillus anthracis samples to research at other labs with lower biosafety samples. However, the lab did not adequately inactivate the samples, and the potentially infectious samples were moved and used for experimentation at labs not equipped to handle live B. anthracis. The workers were not wearing protective equipment because they believed the samples were inactivated.

Investigators also found that procedures used in two of the labs may have aerosolized the spores. Environmental sampling was conducted and the lab areas and hallways were decontaminated. The labs will reopen when safe.

The exposure was discovered June 13 when the bacterial plates were gathered for disposal and B. anthracis colonies were found on the plates. The investigation began immediately and all workers that handled the plates were notified.

The CDC continues to review why the validated safety procedures were not used by the lab. Disciplinary action will be taken as necessary and the CDC will review safety protocols with all employees who work in this area.