Unfortunately, no victory big or small will save Sofia and her peers from their fate: Scientists who have studied the area say even if spraying stopped completely today, it would take a few generations to decontaminate the water and soil, and for any lingering health impacts to fade away.

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The medical examiner's office will complete a health and safety evaluation to determine whether to sift the soil around the buildings for possible human remains, police said.

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However, there is no risk to people's health now because the plague bacteria cannot survive long in the soil, Crossrail says.

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OneWorld Health is currently developing medicines for diarrheal diseases, malaria, visceral leishmaniasis and soil-transmitted helminthes (intestinal worms).

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"It is important to note that based on water, soil and sediment testing already conducted, there is no indication of any risk to the public health or public safety, " the FBI said.

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