TEL AVIV [MENL] -- Israel is closely following the U.S. investigation of an
alleged anthrax attack.The concern by Israeli authorities is that Islamic insurgents have
targeted the Jewish state as well for a biological or chemical attack.Israeli officials said they have discussed the prospect of a weapons of
mass destruction attack on the Jewish state. They said the United States has
briefed the Israeli government of the anthrax cases found in Florida. So
far, three cases of anthrax infection have been reported.Israel's Health Ministry said it is drafting directives to the medical
community to warn against the prospect of anthrax infection. A ministry
statement said Israel is monitoring "professional reports on the incidents
and is in contact with the U.S. authorities.""The Health Ministry wishes to emphasize that anthrax is not a disease
that is transmitted from person to person, is known to medical science and
is both preventable and treatable," the statement said. "As part of the
preparations that began several years ago, the appropriate medicines to deal
with the disease are to be found in Israel."
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