Biosecurity

Anthrax detected in initial air testing in the Twin Cities metro area: ‘Does not appear to present a threat’

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) worked with local, state and federal partners this week to investigate an abnormal test result from routine air monitoring conducted in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Testing at one location in suburban Ramsey County Wednesday yielded a result consistent with the bacteria that can cause anthrax infection (Bacillus anthracis). However, there are no reports of human or animal illness and extensive additional sampling has been negative.

“Based on what we know now, this does not appear to present a threat to public health,” Minnesota State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield said. “The information we’ve gathered is consistent with a naturally occurring, low-level detection.”

After receiving the initial laboratory result, MDH conducted follow-up testing at the location and other sites in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. All of the additional tests were negative. Communication with healthcare providers, clinical laboratories and veterinary care providers found no evidence of anthrax infections in people or animals.