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In the Casper, Wyoming, area, someone has mailed at least one official-looking letter claiming that health authorities are seeking information on the recipient's sexual history. The letter, printed on letterhead stationery, claims to be from the Centers for Disease Control-Wyoming; however, no such agency exists, said Dr. Marty Thone, a division director with the Natrona County Health Department. City police and postal inspectors are investigating the matter, Thone said.

While state and local health officials do sometimes contact persons who are identified as the sexual partners of those diagnosed with STDs, such investigations are generally done face-to-face whenever possible, Thone said.

Thone said the letter is not "done in crayon" and "looks pretty good," which is "what worried us." "They talk about having your blood tested. If I didn't know better, it does sound like it could be real." If someone were to supply the information in response to the bogus inquiry, it could be used to embarrass or blackmail them, Thone said, adding that anyone receiving the letter should discard it.

Editor's Note: from Associated Press