Health Tip

Facts about Anthrax

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Anthrax is an acute, infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. It most commonly occurs in wild and domestic hoofed mammals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, etc.

       While anthrax can be found globally, it is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary public health programs. Certain regions of the world such as South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East report more anthrax than others. It is uncommon to find infected animals in the United States.

Transmission
       The forms of anthrax infection are cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines). Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely. Anthrax is not contagious.
Humans can become infected with anthrax when they are exposed to infected animals, handle products from infected animals, or inhale anthrax spores from contaminated animal products such as wool, hides, leather, or hair products. Anthrax spores can live in the soil for many years. Eating undercooked meat from infected animals can also spread anthrax.

Symptoms
       Symptoms of anthrax vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but they usually occur within seven days after exposure.

       About 95 percent of skin anthrax occurs when the bacteria enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, commonly on the hand, forearm, or head. It begins as a raised itchy bump resembling an insect bite followed by lesions that turn into blisters, usually one to three centimeters in diameter with a black center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. Deaths from skin anthrax are rare when appropriate treatment is given.
       Inhalation anthrax may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal.
       The intestinal form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated food and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever and are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25-60 percent of cases.

Prevention
       In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products. They should also avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked.
An anthrax vaccine has been licensed for human use. The vaccine is reported to be 93 percent effective in protecting against anthrax. Anthrax vaccines intended for animals should not be used in humans.

The anthrax vaccination is recommended for the following people:

• Persons who work directly with the organism in the laboratory.
  
• Persons who work with imported animal hides or furs in areas where standards are insufficient to prevent exposure to anthrax spores.
  
• Persons who handle potentially infected animal products in high incidence areas. (Incidence is low in the United States, but veterinarians who travel to work in other countries where incidence is higher should consider being vaccinated.)
  
• Military personnel deployed to areas with high risk for exposure to the organism (as when it is used as a biological warfare weapon).

Diagnosis & Treatment
       Anthrax is diagnosed by obtaining a sample (called a culture) from a patient’s blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions and growing the bacteria in the laboratory. Antibiotics are effective in treating anthrax. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.