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There have
been no identified instances of an intentional release of
biological pathogens. In March 1998, a collections agency in
Phoenix received a letter allegedly containing anthrax spores.
Nine employees and one police officer had to be decontaminated
by HazMat officers on the scene. The victims were sent to a
valley hospital and were treated for anthrax exposure. The
letter and the contents tested negative for Bacillus
anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax. The sender of
the letter was promptly identified and arrested by the FBI.
Another anthrax scare occurred later that year at a local
court building. In Tucson, in March 2000, a suspicious vial
was found near a drinking fountain at the University of
Arizona. The vial was labeled "Ebola virus". No pathogens were
found in the vial and the incident is under investigation by
the FBI. Other generic bioterrorism hoaxes have occurred in
Arizona that are currently under investigation. |
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