New York man gets anthrax from imported animal skins

New York city officials say a man has been hospitalized with an infection from anthrax.

They believe he accidentally inhaled the anthrax from raw animal skins and have ruled out any suspicion of terrorism.

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says the man was hospitalized in Pennsylvania, where he fell ill a few days ago while he was travelling.

Doctors and health officials say that the man, who makes drums, is suffering from anthrax inhalation which he probably contracted while working with untreated animal hides he bought in Africa in December and brought home his Brooklyn workshop.

Mayor Bloomberg says no one else is believed to be in danger of contracting the disease which is thought to be an isolated case.

Bloomberg says the man is now in a fair condition and tests have confirmed anthrax was the cause.

City officials have apparently sealed the man's home and workshop for decontamination, and three of his co-workers are being treated as a precaution, though they have no symptoms at present.

Anthrax it appears is not spread by air but by bacteria that can form hard, persistent spores and can cause three types of infections: skin, inhaled and gastrointestinal.

Untreated animal skins provide a highly likely source but extensive contact with the contaminated skins would be needed for the infection to be contracted.

Inhaled anthrax infections are by far the most dangerous and must be treated immediately with antibiotics.

The infection is easily cured if treated early enough and cannot be spread from person to person.

While anthrax grows naturally, it also can be used as a biological weapon in which case it is chemically altered and is spread by aerosol sprays.

As a further precaution investigators from local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, will check the man's home and workplace to determine the extent of the presence of anthrax.

Bloonberg says there is no danger to anyone who lives in the area.