Government scientists possibly exposed to anthrax, says CDC

Dozens of scientists at a federal lab in Atlanta may have been accidentally exposed to anthrax after failing to properly deactivate it. Up to 75 workers are being monitored for symptoms of the disease, though so far none have shown any signs of illness, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official told Reuters.

The potential exposure occurred when researchers did not adequately defuse live anthrax samples before transferring them to another less-secure lab, the CDC said. The CDC is investigating how the exposure was allowed to happen, and whether anyone should be disciplined for the breach of protocol.

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