Health officials are trying to determine the contents of a strange package that resulted in a number of workers seeking medical attention after it was opened at the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in Twickenham Park, St Catherine earlier this week.
A source close to the RGD, the only repository of births, marriages, and death records, told Jamaica Observer last night that the package, which was transported to Jamaica from overseas, was collected from a post office in Spanish Town on Tuesday and taken to the RGD.
“When the package was opened, mysterious fumes emanated from the package. Several workers fell ill because of the fumes,” the source said, adding that there was a powdery substance in the package.
Last night, Postmaster General Michael Gentles confirmed receiving a report about the incident.
“The report that I have received is that the package was sent to Spanish Town and retrieved from the Spanish Town Post Office by RGD,” Gentles told the Observer in a brief telephone interview.
“That’s all I can say on the matter at this time,” Gentles said. “I am now awaiting a report from the Ministry of Health.”
Last night, our source said that staff members at the RGD were worried, given events taking place internationally.
Another source said that after the package was opened, initially some workers speculated that the substance was anthrax powder, which carries the potentially fatal infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis.
That fear appeared to have subsided after none of the affected workers died. However, one young woman was reported to have returned from the doctor with chest pains.
“Right now, it could be anything. We are hoping that the authorities will be able to bring some closure to this case and provide some answers any time soon,” said one staff member.