Anthrax Scare (2001)

On October 5, 2001, the anthrax-induced death of the Sun newspaper's picture editor, Bob Stevens, sparked global panic, making the antibiotic Cipro a top-selling drug and triggering false alarms and evacuations worldwide. In the midst of anthrax threats, media reports led to a surge in newspaper sales, prompting criticism for overhyping the situation. Over the following months, five deaths and 17 infections occurred from anthrax exposure.