by Dilanthi Jayamanne
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has geared itself to tackle anthrax which has created panic throughout the world. CMC Mayor, Omar Kamil addressing a press conference yesterday said that should any resident in the CMC area receive a suspicious parcel or mail to dial the ‘Anthrax Rapid Response Team.’

The unit which is working round the clock 24 hours of the day will respond to the call immediately. The numbers which should be contacted are: Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam chief of the Public Health Department on 691922, mobile number (MN): 077-314320, Dr. R. L. Wijayamuni - 681747 MN: 077-472161, Dr. M. Balasuriya - 676586 and MN: 077-472160.

If the parcel or letter you receive is suspected of containing the anthrax spores, then take steps to close it put it in a bag and close it tightly, switch off fans or air conditioners if there are any and call the CMC Health Department on any of the numbers given above. If the spores have fallen on your clothes take them off and put them in a bag and close tightly. After which you should have a good shower bath.

The unit would call back to confirm the complaint. Following which officials of the unit would visit the site to collect the suspected items, disinfect the surrounding areas, to render advice on health aspects which should be adhered to and deliver the item to the Medical Research Institute (MRI). The Mayor said that the Public Health Department had ventured to intercede in the anthrax scare after the CMC had received many telephone calls regarding suspect parcels and envelopes.

The Mayor and the three doctors presiding addressing the press added that these phone numbers should not be abused. "Don’t even play a practical joke with anthrax as it is not a disease to be played with. It’s deadly," they said.

There have been around 50 parcels which have been received by the MRI which are suspected to be containing the Anthrax bacteria.

He said that none of the institutions had created an awareness with their employees regarding whom to contact if there was an anthrax scare. The police too were unaware as to who should be contacted when the people seek their assistance. The health sector had failed to inform the general public as to whom they should contact if they were faced with such a case.

The Mayor said that they had decided to take action when the American Express Bank called them and reported a suspicious parcel which they had received. About half of the Banks’ employees had panicked and rushed off to hospitals not knowing what to do.

Addressing the press Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam Chief of the Public Health Department said that an anthrax patient had been diagnosed in 1976. "After America Sri Lanka is believed to have had the most number of anthrax scares," he said.

The CMC has invested Rs. 1.5 lakhs to initiate their battle against anthrax. The team is complete with anthrax protective gear. "There have been six reported cases following the unit’s establishment.

Dr. Kariyawasam added that even after the anthrax scare is over the unit will function. "When considering the situation in our country where there is a war against terrorism this unit will have to be maintained until we see the end of it," he said.