Anthrax letter may have come from Malaysia

Anthrax can survive up to 100 years as spores in the ground, delivered in the air it can probably only survive for a few days.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- A letter returned to a Microsoft Corporation office in the U.S. found to be contaminated with anthrax is believed to have been sent from a Malaysian address.

The correspondence was originally sent from a Microsoft subsidiary in Reno, Nevada, to an address in Malaysia, but was returned to the sender.

After three rounds of tests Nevada state officials confirmed that one of several magazine clippings in the envelope tested positive for anthrax bacteria. Six people who came into contact with the letter are also being tested.

VIDEO Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn talks with CNN's Greta Van Susteren about a suspicious envelope mailed to a private company, later identified as a subsidiary of Microsoft (October 12) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Malaysian police officials said Sunday they had yet to determine if the letter had a local source and authorities are questioning whether the letter could have been tampered with before it entered Malaysia.

The United States has not shared any information with Malaysia so far, says Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

"No, we have no information. They don't give us any information. Once we get the information we will investigate," Mahathir told reporters when asked whether police were making any headway into links between the postal germ attack and Malaysia.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar says he believes the letter was not sent from his country.

RESOURCES Get more information on anthrax from the U.S. CDC    Facts about anthrax Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The spore produces a toxin that can be fatal. How it spreads: The spores can spread by inhalation or ingestion. Symptoms: Symptoms usually appear within seven days. Inhalation anthrax infection can start out like a common cold before acute symptoms such as severe breathing problems and shock. Infection by consuming contaminated food is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea. Death can occur within 24 hours of the onset of acute symptoms. Treatment: Antibiotics, including penicillin. A delay in the use of antibiotics -- even in terms of hours -- may lessen chances for survival. Prevention: Vaccine Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"I think definitely there is no truth that the thing originates from Malaysia," Syed Hamid Albar told reporters after holding talks with a senior U.S. government trade representative.

"As a matter of policy, the government wishes to state that it takes all such reports very seriously and will extend its fullest support and cooperation to the U.S. authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly," he said.

"At the moment, we would like to tell the Malaysian people ... as far as we know there is no anthrax here. At the moment there is nothing. I must stress this," the foreign minister said.

The Malaysian Health Ministry has called for a meeting of medical officials next week to discuss whether the case originated in the country and what measures, if any, may be needed for anthrax detection and prevention.

Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, condemned the U.S. attacks, although the country has objected to the U.S led coalition bombing in Afganistan.

Regional effect

Anthrax incidences in the U.S are having a knock on effect across the Asia-Pacific region.

The U.S. consulate in Melbourne, Australia was evacuated after a suspicious chemical residue was found in a letter received at the offices.

Other incidents caused disruptions at the Australian Taxation Office in Canberra, a Melbourne newspaper and a Sydney suburban post office.

Political leaders tried to calm an alarmed Australian public as the government, postal service and other institutions were put on heightened alert.

"I think it's important that we don't start leaping at shadows," New South Wales state Premier Bob Carr told reporters.

More reports of anthrax cases in the U.S. are fueling new concerns on Asian markets at the start of the week, as analysts expect Japan's trading position to worsen further as exports continue to be disrupted.

Many organizations are also revising their mail shipping and receiving procedures to provide additional levels of security and protection to their employees.

The FBI has opened criminal inquiries into anthrax cases in the U.S.