For suspected anthrax—

• Isolate the letter or parcel and don't handle it
• Shut off the ventilation system, if possible, and evacuate the area
• Wash hands with soap and warm water
• Contact the occupant emergency leader
• Call the police
• Contact the postal inspectors

A photomicrograph of Bacillus anthracis bacteria using Gram-stain technique to diagnose anthrax.

Under a high magnification of 12,483X, this scanning electron micrograph depicted spores from the Sterne strain of Bacillus anthracis bacteria.