It rapidly becomes the top news story, first locally, then nationally, as more cases show up during the afternoon. Hundreds of people turn up at hospitals across the city gasping for breath. Doctors begin to suspect, and quickly confirm, that the bizarre disease is anthrax. An extended evening bulletin gives it saturation coverage. Experts from the Department of Health try to figure out where the spores came from and in which direction they are spreading.
Rumours are rife that supplies of antibiotics have run out.
The authorities caution against panic. You know that you and your family have been exposed. . .