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Mystery Substance Sickens Worker, Others Quarantined At Alameda Federal Building

ALAMEDA (CBS SF) -- An agricultural inspection specialist at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Alameda is still being treated at a local hospital this evening for symptoms she suffered after opening an envelope earlier today, an agency spokesman said.

However, spokesman Fred Ho said hazardous materials crews weren't able to find any dangerous materials at the agency's office in the 2400 block of Mariner Square Loop after the incident was reported at 12:37 p.m. and it's unclear if the woman's symptoms, which include headaches, were caused by materials inside the envelope.

Ho said two other agricultural specialists at the office, which is located on the west end of the island near Alameda Point as well as the Oakland Estuary and the Webster Street tube, also felt ill but were treated at the scene.

A total of 16 specialists were at the office at the time of the incident and they were evacuated as a precautionary measure while the Alameda Fire Department and the Alameda County hazardous materials team responded to the incident, he said.

But the office was declared clear late this afternoon and employees will return to the office on Thursday morning, Ho said.

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