Defending against bioterrorism: Lessons from the 2001 anthrax attacks

Five persons died from anthrax infection in late 2001 shortly after the hijacked airliner attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Amid newly apprehended fear of terrorism the federal government endeavored to explain the risks of anthrax exposure, treatment and protection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the federal response in the anthrax episode and recognize lessons regarding risk communication. The research design is a qualitative, descriptive case study with an explicit logic model showing the relationship of factors bearing on risk perception. The factors include problems with the messages, including accuracy and uncertainty; problems with the sources of information, including trust and credibility; problems with media amplification of the risk; and problems with public perception of the risks. Data sources included national opinion poll results, focus group research findings, and a content analysis of official statements, news media coverage, and published expert assessment of the handling of the problem.; The study found that errors in official messages were associated with public fear, that contradictory information from official sources was associated with loss of credibility, that intense media focus on the risk coupled with initial official failure to provide health information were associated with public fear and that public lack of a clear understanding of what protective steps and role people could take to protect themselves appeared to be associated with public fear. The study discusses how these finding can improve planning and coordination for the future, build credibility, improve the flow of information to the media and involve the public in planning and response activities, community preparation and voluntary action to reduce risks.