US to Investigate Potential Anthrax Exposure at Osan Airbase in South Korea

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the statement, the suspected Anthrax sample, used during training by laboratory personnel at the US base was destroyed after it became apparent that it contained suspicious bacteria.

“Twenty-two personnel may have been exposed during the training event and all personnel were provided appropriate medical precautionary measures to include examinations, antibiotics and in some instances, vaccinations. None of the personnel have shown any signs of possible exposure,” the US Air Force said in a statement published on the official website of the Osan Air Base on Wednesday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Defense Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they were investigating the anthrax samples that had been sent to laboratories in nine US states from a Pentagon laboratory in Utah.

Four people have been asked to take antibiotics amid the accidental anthrax shipment.

CDC also said that some of the anthrax samples were being sent securely for additional testing.

The US Defense Department said that all laboratory anthrax sample shipments had been stopped until the investigation was completed.