I was surprised at the panic caused in Kathmandu over the recent anthrax scare. I am certain that this is no more than a rumour, and that the young man in Baglung was either staging his faint for sensationalist purposes or ill due to some other reason. Fainting upon momentary exposure to anthrax is not a symptom of anthrax. Anthrax begins with minor flu-like symptoms and eventually culminates in difficulty in breathing. Because of the incident, my brother-in-law is scared to go to the post office to pick up our letters. We live in America and are not at all afraid of our mail. I kindly ask people in Nepal and around the world not to cause panic by spreading rumours and fear. This will only give the terrorists satisfaction.

Lisa Tomson
by email