Anthrax Scare Closes N.J. Post Office
Authorities in New Jersey, where at least five anthrax-laden letters were mailed in 2001, closed another post office after brown powder fell from a package containing a threatening letter.
An initial test was negative for anthrax, but a secondary test was inconclusive, Postal Service spokesman Tony Esposito said Sunday.
One employee came in contact with the powder but didn't appear to have symptoms, and five workers in the building were given prescriptions for the antibiotic Cipro, Esposito said. He said the post office was closed, pending tests results expected Tuesday from the state health department.
The substance was discovered Friday night when a postmark machine stamped a padded envelope addressed to an eastern Pennsylvania residence and the powder spilled out, Esposito said. He wouldn't say what town the letter was destined for.
New Jersey became a focus of anthrax fears in 2001, when tainted letters stamped with Trenton postmarks were sent to NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw, the New York Post and the Washington, D.C., offices of Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Sen. Patrick Leahy. Five people died and 13 others were sickened in anthrax attacks.
The FBI has yet to name a suspect, though officials say there are about 30 "persons of interest."
The post office closed Saturday is about 45 miles north of Trenton.
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