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Friday, 17 November 2006, 17:24 GMT

Anthrax discovery in village hall

Anthrax A village hall in the Borders has been cordoned off after the discovery of minute traces of anthrax.

NHS Borders confirmed that the building in Smailholm was being closed as a precautionary measure after the find.

Experts have been carrying out tests across the region after Hawick man Pascal Norris died in July, with tests showing anthrax as the likely cause.

The village hall will remain closed until a decision is made on appropriate contamination measures.

Earlier this month a house in Smailholm was cordoned off off by scientists investigating Mr Norris's death.

Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

It most commonly occurs in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats but can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals.

Health Protection Scotland said it was not passed from person to person.

A helpline is available for anyone with queries or concerns about the anthrax investigation on 08000 282816.



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Related to this story:
House sealed off in anthrax probe (01 Nov 06 |  South of Scotland )
Discovery in Anthrax death probe (12 Oct 06 |  South of Scotland )
Anthrax tests on dead man's home (04 Sep 06 |  South of Scotland )
Call for 'anthrax death' inquiry (22 Aug 06 |  South of Scotland )
Man dies from 'rare anthrax bug' (16 Aug 06 |  South of Scotland )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Anthrax Fact File
NHS Borders
Health Protection Scotland
Health Protection Agency
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