Preliminary tests for anthrax performed on a Wisconsin man came back negative, an Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital spokesperson said Wednesday, but conclusive results will not be available until midday today.
A 40-year-old Watertown, Wis., man feared he was infected with anthrax when he came down with cold and flu symptoms two weeks after he said he opened an envelope containing a white powder, according to hospital spokesperson Sarah Estell and FBI Special Agent Brian Manganello.
Despite the tests, Manganello said the FBI has not begun an investigation to see if any anthrax can be detected in the man's home.
'We can't do anything until something shows that anthrax exists,' Manganello said from the FBI's Milwaukee field office.
The Watertown man's fears arose after a Boca Raton, Fla., man became the first American to die of anthrax inhalation in 25 years and one of his coworkers was found to have anthrax spores in his respiratory system.
Anthrax spores were found in the nasal passages of a third Florida worker at the headquarters of American Media, Inc., publisher of the National Enquirer, Wednesday. The 35-year-old woman showed no symptoms of the disease and has been placed on antibiotics.
'There have been many reports of things like this' following the Florida cases, Manganello said. 'Bottom line is, we're aware of it and we're awaiting information from the medical folks.'
