NSW Public Health Bulletin Vol. 14 No. 11–12218 ANTHRAX AND OTHER SUSPECT POWDERS: INITIAL RESPONSES TO AN OUTBREAK OF HOAXES AND SCARES

was involved in the response to over 500 incidents where people were exposed to powdery materials suspected to contain spores of Bacillus anthracis. A public health response was established across NSW, to collate information about exposed people, and to provide them with the results of laboratory tests and to reassure them. This response relied heavily on the resources and staff of public health units, and on the cooperation and coordination of a range of government agencies. This article describes the number and characteristics of the incidents involving ‘suspicious white powders’, and draws conclusions about the public health implications of the procedures for communicating microbiological results to exposed people. BACKGROUN