Possible Live Anthrax Sample Discovered, Destroyed Published May 27, 2015 By 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Osan Air Base took prudent cautionary measures May 27, 2015, to investigate a potential exposure to a suspected sample of Anthrax. There is no risk to the public. Emergency response personnel from the 51st Fighter Wing responded and destroyed the sample located in a self-contained contingency facility at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, after it was discovered the bacteria might not be an inert training sample as expected. Hazardous material teams immediately cordoned off the facility, decontaminated it under Centers for Disease Control protocol, and destroyed the agent. Twenty-two personnel may have been exposed during the training event and all personnel were provided appropriate medical precautionary measures to include examinations, antibiotics and in some instances, vaccinations. None of the personnel have shown any signs of possible exposure. The sample which was expected to be inert and harmless was used in a training laboratory environment by laboratory personnel at Osan Air Base involved in the Joint United States Forces Korea (USFK) Portal and Integrated Threat Recognition Program. The training involved routine laboratory protocols that are in line with normal handling procedures. The Office of the Secretary of Defense and Centers for Disease Control have been informed of the situation. The cause is under investigation. More information will be released once it becomes available. Media representatives can contact U.S. Forces Korea Public Affairs at 011-822-7913-4661.