Case 1 (likely first case) SUSPECTED
Characteristics: 30-year-old woman, employed by New York Post
Onset date: September 22, 2001
Medical care date:  
MMWR date: 50 (42), Oct. 26, 2001
Location: New York City
Probable source: Letters postmarked September 18
Disease type: Cutaneous anthrax
Details:

The first suspected case, a 30-year-old woman (news media reported aged 30, CDC states aged 31) with onset of illness on September 22, frequently handled mail at work site. At her work site, an unopened letter postmarked September 18, which contained powder contaminated with B. anthracis was found on October 19. Treated with ciprofloxacin and clinical improved.

Click for personal account of Johanna Huden (10/20/01)

Click for news account of Johanna Huden (10/21/01)

Click for FBI comments about the Post letter and Johanna Huden (10/21/01)

Click for news account of index case and outbreak investigation (12/26/01)

Click for reflection by Johanna Huden five years later (10/19/06)
Death date: Not applicable