Stardate 20011021.1615 (On Screen): I fear we're about to get our second fatal anthrax case. A postal worker in Washington is "gravely ill" with inhalation anthrax; the prospects for his survival are poor. The problem with anthrax isn't that the bacteria themselves are harmful, but rather that they secrete a toxin. Doctors will be treating this man with heavy doses of antibiotics and may even eradicate the bacteria from his body, but the toxin will remain and will probably kill him.
There's a group which has developed a direct treatment for the toxin. It's still highly experimental, and under normal processes probably wouldn't be ready to become a drug for at least ten years. But we have a man dying; perhaps it's time to take a chance and throw the dice? Give it to him; maybe it will save his life. Unfortunately, I think that won't happen. (discuss)
