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The Sverdlovsk anthrax outbreak of 1979

M Meselson¹, J Guillemin, M Hugh-Jones

¹Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|November 18, 1994

Summary

An unusual anthrax outbreak in Sverdlovsk was likely caused by an aerosol release from a military facility, not contaminated meat. The spread pattern aligns with prevailing winds, supporting the airborne pathogen theory.

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Area of Science:

Epidemiology
Microbiology
Public Health

Background:

An anthrax epidemic occurred in Sverdlovsk in April-May 1979.
Official Soviet reports cited contaminated meat as the cause.
US agencies suggested an accidental release of anthrax spores from a military facility.

Observation:

Epidemiological data revealed a distinct zone of human and livestock cases.
This zone extended from the military facility southward, aligning with prevailing northerly winds.
Livestock deaths occurred farther south along the extended axis of this zone.

Findings:

The spatial distribution of cases strongly suggests an airborne source.
The prevailing wind direction correlated with the geographical spread of the outbreak.

Related Experiment Videos

The evidence supports the hypothesis of an accidental aerosol release of Bacillus anthracis from the military facility.

Implications:

Understanding outbreak origins is crucial for public health preparedness.
This case highlights the potential risks associated with biological research facilities.
Investigating environmental factors like wind patterns aids in tracing disease transmission.