Lessons learned from the investigation of a cluster of cutaneous anthrax cases in Connecticut.

In 2007, two cases of cutaneous anthrax associated with West African drum making were reported in Connecticut in a drum-maker and his child. Although both cases were due to exposure to naturally occurring Bacillus anthracis from imported animal hides, ensuing investigative and remediation efforts were affected by the intentional B anthracis attacks in 2001. To share our experience of responding to an outbreak of anthrax in the biologic terrorism preparedness era, we summarize Connecticut's investigation and describe lessons learned.