Anthrax Hits White House Mail Annex

WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 23, 2001 (Zenit.org).- A machine at an remote site that handles mail for the White House tested positive for anthrax, the latest chapter in the rash of bioterrorism that has hit the United States in the wake of Sept. 11.

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None of the deadly bacteria were found at the White House, a spokesman said. But anthrax was confirmed today as the cause of death for two postal workers in the nation´s capital, the Associated Press reported.

In addition, a mail handler in New Jersey and two more postal workers in Washington were believed to be suffering from the disease.

At the White House, spokesman Ari Fleischer said anthrax had been found at a mail screening facility for the White House located at a military installation. That facility was closed for testing and decontamination. Fleischer said environmental tests at the White House itself have come back negative.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate returned to work and the House of Representatives was following soon afterward, even though congressional office buildings are still closed for anthrax testing.

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