Cargo Container Checked for Anthrax at Port

A truck entering the Port of Long Beach in California yesterday was carrying a cargo container sporting graffiti that indicated it was contaminated with anthrax, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Dec. 21, 2006).

Someone used spray paint to write “antharax inside” — misspelling the first word — on the side of the container and “regards from Osama” on the back, according to Long Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Frank Hayes.  The container had been picked up in the nearby Wilmington area of Los Angeles and arrived at the port at around 10:30 a.m.

The port placed the container in an isolated area.  It sat for several hours before being opened by hazardous materials personnel in protective gear.

“It was completely empty,” Hayes said.  “There were no contaminants found.”

Responders took samples for testing and expected results in 72 hours.  The container was expected to remain at the port during that period (Associated Press/Fresno Bee, April 2).

The truck driver and port employees have shown no signs of infection, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported (Kelly Puente, Press-Telegram, April 2).

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