British-born journalist dies of anthrax in US
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British-born journalist diagnosed with anthrax died last night in a Florida hospital.
Bob Stevens, 63, from Florida, is believed to have picked up the anthrax spores while on a visit to North Carolina, where he drank water from a stream. He was a photographer with a US tabloid magazine called The Sun. It is not known how long he had been living in Florida.
Yesterday, Dr Jean Malecki, the director of the Palm Beach County Health Department, said survival rates for people suffering from the disease were "very, very low". She said that authorities had retraced Mr Stevens' movements and contacts over the last 60 days before his symptoms appeared.
While experts say the likelihood of having picked up the spores from water were extremely slight, anthrax does occur sporadically in the wild. It is normally confined to sheep, cattle, pigs and goats. Interviews and samples were being taken to isolate its origins.
News of the case led to panic. The US has been on alert for further attacks, possibly involving chemical or biological weapons.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments