CDC confirms strain of anthrax that sickened NH woman matches contaminated drums, outlet

CDC: Same anthrax strain in drums, sick NH woman

CONCORD, N.H. — Medical investigators have confirmed that the strain of anthrax that sickened a New Hampshire woman is the same strain found on an electrical outlet and two drums used at a gathering she attended earlier this month.

Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, an adviser to the state Department of Health and Human Services, said the test results received Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bolster the theory that the woman swallowed airborne anthrax spores during a Dec. 4 drum circle performance at the United Campus Ministry center in Durham.

The woman, who is hospitalized in critical condition, has an extremely rare form of anthrax involving the gastrointestinal system.

Health officials are offering antibiotics and vaccines to about 80 others who attended the drum circle.