ANTHRAX

Anthrax disease is not new. It was common in farm animals. Now, it is rare in the United States due to modern animal vaccination programs. A new concern is that the anthrax bacteria may be used as a biological weapon by terrorists.

Anthrax is a disease caused by spore-forming bacteria. The spores do not have an odor or a taste and are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Anthrax has three major forms in humans: skin (cutaneous), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. All forms of anthrax can cause death if not treated. Anthrax is not contagious. It cannot be passed from person to person. The signs and symptoms of anthrax are different depending on the form.

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common and mildest form of infection. Infection occurs when the bacteria enters the skin through a cut or scrape. The first sign may be a raised bump which then develops into a small, painless sore with a black center. Early treatment with antibiotics is usually effective. If not treated, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause death.

Inhalation anthrax is the most deadly form of anthrax. A person must inhale the spores of the bacteria into the lungs, where it causes infection. Symptoms of inhalation anthrax may include sore throat, non-productive cough, mild fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to the common cold. The viral-like symptoms improve but are then followed by a sudden development of severe breathing problems and shock. Even with treatment, most people die if not treated with antibiotics in the early phase. Antibiotics must be started early when the viral-like symptoms occur in order to reduce the risk of death.

Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs 1 to 7 days after eating raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal. Early symptoms include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Symptoms progress to abdominal pain, bloody vomiting, and severe, bloody diarrhea. It is also possible to have throat symptoms, such as mouth sores and difficulty swallowing. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

Early diagnosis and treatment of all forms of anthrax is important. Testing for the anthrax bacteria may include taking samples of blood and body fluids, x-rays, and other kinds of tests. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection and can be used to prevent an infection in persons who have been exposed to a source of anthrax.

Anthrax vaccine is available for humans. However, it is not currently available to the public. It is recommended for persons who are at a high risk, such as certain military personnel and persons who work with anthrax in a laboratory.

What you can do to reduce your risk:

Do not panic. Use common sense and stay informed of current events.
Report any suspicious substance to local authorities.
Report any suspicious mail to local authorities. Wash your hands with soap and water after opening mail.
Leave a contaminated area and call 911 or the local emergency phone number.
Report any known or suspected exposure to the local authorities and your healthcare provider.

For more information on anthrax, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization at www.who.int.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4925.RF2 VRS# 4925 Data Version 7.0