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Investigation of a Ricin-Containing Envelope

October 15, 2003

At a glance

CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support the Investigation of a Ricin-Containing Envelope.

Castor Beans

About the Response

On October 15, 2003, an envelope with a threatening note and a sealed container was processed at a mail processing and distribution facility in Greenville, South Carolina.

The note threatened to poison water supplies if demands were not met.

On October 21, laboratory testing at CDC confirmed that ricin was present in the container.