Dear Healthcare Provider,
As many of you may be aware, letters containing a white powder were received by approximately 25 DC public schools.  At present, all of the school sites have been cleared and field testing has produced negative results.  In spite of this, patients may come to your office or emergency room and request treatment.  Please reassure them that no further screening or treatment is indicated at this time.  Should anyone present to your facility with illness linked to this event, please contact the Department of Health, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Administration for surveillance purposes.
Should the information change, you will be notified immediately.  If you have any questions, please contact our Epidemiology staff or Dr. Brian Amy at (202) 671-4222.

Thank you,

Beverly A. Pritchett
Senior Deputy Director
Health Emergency Preparedness Response Administration (HEPRA)
Government of the District of Columbia - Department of Health
64 New York Ave. NE, 5th Floor, Ste. 5000
Washington, D.C. 20002