Anthrax testing in Reno

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 5:01 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Health Laboratory is testing a suspicious substance that may be Anthrax received in a letter by a Reno business.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said Friday the contents of the letter tested "presumptively positive" for Anthrax. Two other tests must be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Results from those should be completed by Saturday.

The state Health Division referred all inquiries to the governor's office. Guinn has also notified the FBI.

The governor said a man who works at a Microsoft office in the Sierra Pacific Power Company building in Reno paid a bill and mailed the check to Malaysia. But the letter came back with the check and also enclosed was some pornographic literature, apparently with the strange powder on it.

"This guy did the right thing," Guinn said, referring to the man's notification of authorities.

The Washoe County Health District has also been brought into the case, the governor said.

The first test of the substance showed the presence of the bacteria "Bacillus anthracis."

Guinn stressed that there are three different tests before it is positively determined to be Anthrax. He said testing of humans won't start until after the state lab completes its work.

"As the governor, I'm pleased to report that our state emergency management system in placed worked very well," Guinn said. "The employees in this case also followed the recommended emergency procedures.

"This is a national issue that involves law enforcement at all levels," Guinn said. "The FBI has kept me well informed as these situations have evolved."

The governor advised Nevadans to continue to be ever vigilant in this time of heightened security.

Anthrax, if inhaled, may begin with a mild flu-like symptom such as muscle aches, fever, fatigue and slight cough usually one to six days after exposure.

It may then progress after two to four days to more severe symptoms such as high fever and shortness of breath. It is generally treatable with antibiotics and cannot be spread from person to person.