version) for printing.
is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming
bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly
occurs in warm-blooded animals, but can also infect humans.
anthrax among humans is extremely rare in the United States,
anyone can get anthrax if they are exposed to contaminated
wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair)
of infected animals, or if they eat undercooked meat from
infected animals. Workers who are exposed to dead animals
and animal products from countries where anthrax is more
common are at the highest risk.
anthrax can be found globally, it is more common in South
and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia,
Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Anthrax in animals
rarely occurs in the United States with most reports of
animal infection coming from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Oklahoma and South Dakota.
is anthrax spread?
infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation,
and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live
in the soil for many years and humans can become infected
with anthrax by handling animal products from infected animals
or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products.
Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from
person-to-person spread of anthrax is unlikely.
are the symptoms of anthrax?
Cutaneous: Most anthrax infections occur when the bacteria enters a
cut or abrasion on the skin. Skin infection begins as a
raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within
1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer,
usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black
necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the
adjacent area may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of
cutaneous anthrax will result in death, although deaths
are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a cold. After several days,
the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and
shock. Inhalation anthrax usually results in death in 1-2
days after onset of the acute symptoms.
Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption
of contaimated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation
of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of
appetite, vomiting, and/or fever are followed by abdominal
pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal
anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.
soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted,
but symptoms usually occur within seven days.
is anthrax diagnosed?
is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the
blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions or by measuring
specific antibodies in the blood of suspected cases.
is the treatment for anthrax?
can prescribe antibiotics for anthrax. Usually penicillin
is preferred, but erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol
can also be used. To be effective, treatment should be started
early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
can anthrax be prevented?
people in the United States are at minimal risk for coming
into contact with anthrax. There is a vaccine for anthrax.
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP)
currently recommends the vaccine for individuals who come
in contact in the workplace with imported animal hides,
furs, bonemeal, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair),and
bristles; and for individuals engaged in diagnostic or investigational
activities which may bring them into contact with anthrax
spores. Because anthrax is also considered to be a potential
agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense
announced in 1998 that it will begin systematic vaccination
of all United States military personnel.
can I get more information?
local health department listed in your telephone directory.
Utah Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology (801)
Department of Defense recommends servicemen and women
contact their chain of command on questions about anthrax
vaccine and its distribution.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
OFFICE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY