CPD director Peter Cordina told MaltaToday that the task force is scheduled to meet tomorrow when the end plan is expected to be finalised. "This does not mean that if anything arises before the contingency plan is finalised we aren’t capable of handling the situation. A draft plan is already in place," Mr Cordina explained.

The task force is made up of representatives of the CPD, the Health Department, the Occupational Health and Safety Unit and the Armed Forces of Malta.

Over the past week, the media have been brimming with reports of anthrax-infected letters in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in other countries. A number of individuals contacted this newspaper expressing their concern about the matter.

Mr Cordina stressed that there was no cause for alarm. "The CPD has to be prepared because it is part of our job, however I stress that we should not panic. If anybody requires any information or receives any suspect mail he should phone the CPD on telephone 21462610."

The almost daily reports of anthrax-infected letters have created a lot of confusion even among media personnel. For starters, anthrax is not a virus, it is an infection caused by endospore-forming bacteria.

Anthrax is primarily a disease of domesticated and wild animals. Humans become infected when they come into contact with diseased animals, which includes flesh, bones, hides, hair and excrement. However, the risk of humans contracting the disease is very low.

Anthrax is a ‘popular’ biological weapon because the bacteria is relatively easy to culture and it is strong enough to withstand harsh conditions.

There are two forms of the disease. One is cutaneous anthrax, which is usually acquired via injured skin. This is the mildest form of anthrax and it becomes fatal in very rare extreme cases when the blood stream is eventually invaded.

The second and more dangerous form of the disease is inhalation anthrax, which results from inhaling spore-containing dust. The disease strikes immediately with high fever and chest pain. It can also lead to internal bleeding and becomes fatal if treatment cannot stop the invasive aspect of the infection.

The disease can be treated using antibiotics, which are usually very effective if administered up to 24 hours after exposure. However, medical experts warn that unless the disease is diagnosed correctly, antibiotics should not be taken. Taking antibiotics without the need to do so will only render the medicine ineffective in the long run. Bacteria have a penchant for becoming resistant to antibiotics after prolonged treatment. Antibiotics should be taken only if prescribed by a doctor.