No further Kenya anthrax letters

Many countries have been taking precautions

Kenyan Health Minister Sam Ongeri has said two letters sent to a United Nations complex in the capital, Nairobi, have tested negative for anthrax.

Mr Ongeri said four other suspicious letters had also been tested and found to be free of the bacteria.

We would like to ask all Kenyans not to panic, but to remain calm

Sam Ongeri
Kenyan Health Minister

Kenya became the first country outside the United States, since the 11 September terror attacks, to confirm anthrax being sent through the post on Thursday.

Health officials say the recipient of the infected letter - described as an ordinary Kenyan citizen - is receiving treatment after testing positive for anthrax and three members of his family are being kept under observation.

The FBI is also being consulted about ways to combat bio-terrorism.

Atlanta postmark

Mr Ongeri said that the anthrax letter found in Nairobi had been posted in the US city of Atlanta on 8 September, and routed via Miami.

Ongeri: Government can deal with situation

The letter was received in Nairobi on 9 October and opened on 11 October.

Mr Ongeri called on Kenyans not to panic about the discovery.

"The government has the capacity and capability to deal with the situation," he said.

Concern about anthrax has been increasing worldwide, with six people now infected with the disease in the United States, one fatally.

Mounting concern about the US cases has triggered alerts and hoaxes around the world, with the Israeli parliament evacuated along with public buildings in Europe, Africa and New Zealand.