Islamabad High Court judges receive mysterious letters laced with ‘anthrax’

At least eight Islamabad High Court judges have received mysterious letters reportedly containing 'anthrax', Pakistan-based ARY News reported on Tuesday (Apr 2). The letters did not have theaddress of the sender.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease and its powder form is purified anthrax spores. It is processed so that it can spread through the air as it floats and can be breathed in. For decades, anthrax has been used as a weapon around the world.

A team of experts from the Islamabad Police reached the premises of the High Court to analyse the situation after suspicious letters were discovered.

The investigation focussed on the determination of the nature of the powder and its potential threat. The report cited sources as saying that along with the powder, the letters also contain threatening signs.

The letter was reportedly written by a woman named Resham. However, her address was not specified. Islamabad High Court took measures by summoning top officials of the police to provide updates.

Signs and symptoms of anthrax infection include skin sores, vomiting and shock. Mostly flu-like symptoms are present such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and sore throat. It majorly depends on how a person or animal has been infected.

Watch:Pakistan's Islamabad High Court judges receive mysterious letters

The 2001 anthrax attacks in the US

On September 18, 2001, letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to several news media offices and government officials.

It led to the deaths of five people and 17 infections. This happened just one week after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)