What
Is Anthrax?
Anthrax
is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis,
a bacterium that forms spores. A bacterium is a very small organism made
up of one cell. Many bacteria can cause disease. A spore is a cell that
is dormant (asleep) but may come to life with the right conditions.
There are
three types of anthrax:
- skin
(cutaneous)
- lungs
(inhalation)
-
digestive (gastrointestinal)
How
Do You Get It?
Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another.
Anthrax
from animals. Humans can become infected with anthrax by handling
products from infected animals or by breathing in anthrax spores from
infected animal products (like wool, for example). People also can become
infected with gastrointestinal anthrax by eating undercooked meat from
infected animals.
Anthrax
as a weapon. Anthrax also can be used as a weapon. This happened
in the United States in 2001. Anthrax was deliberately spread through
the postal system by sending letters with powder containing anthrax. This
caused 22 cases of anthrax infection.
How
Dangerous Is Anthrax?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies agents with
recognized bioterrorism potential into three priority areas (A, B and
C). Anthrax is classified as a Category A agent. Category A agents are
those that:
- pose the
greatest possible threat for a bad effect on public health
- may spread
across a large area or need public awareness
- need a
great deal of planning to protect the public’s health
In most cases,
early treatment with antibiotics can cure cutaneous anthrax. Even if untreated,
80 percent of people who become infected with cutaneous anthrax do not
die. Gastrointestinal anthrax is more serious because between one-fourth
and more than half of cases lead to death. Inhalation anthrax is much
more severe. In 2001, about half of the cases of inhalation anthrax ended
in death.
What
Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms (warning signs) of anthrax are different depending on the
type of the disease:
- Cutaneous:
The first symptom is a small sore that develops into a blister. The
blister then develops into a skin ulcer with a black area in the center.
The sore, blister and ulcer do not hurt.
- Gastrointestinal:
The first symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and
fever, followed by bad stomach pain.
- Inhalation:
The first symptoms of inhalation anthrax are like cold or flu symptoms
and can include a sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches. Later symptoms
include cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, tiredness and
muscle aches. (Caution: Do not assume that just because a person has
cold or flu symptoms that they have inhalation anthrax.)
How
Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
Symptoms can appear within 7 days of coming in contact with the bacterium
for all three types of anthrax. For inhalation anthrax, symptoms can appear
within a week or can take up to 42 days to appear.
How
Is Anthrax Treated?
Antibiotics are used to treat all three types of anthrax. Early identification
and treatment are important.
Prevention
after exposure. Treatment is different for a person who is exposed
to anthrax, but is not yet sick. Health-care providers will use antibiotics
(such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or penicillin) combined with the
anthrax vaccine to prevent anthrax infection.
Treatment
after infection. Treatment is usually a 60-day course of antibiotics.
Success depends on the type of anthrax and how soon treatment begins.
Can
Anthrax Be Prevented?
Vaccination. There is a vaccine to prevent anthrax, but it is not yet
available for the general public. Anyone who may be exposed to anthrax,
including certain members of the U.S. armed forces, laboratory workers,
and workers who may enter or re-enter contaminated areas, may get the
vaccine. Also, in the event of an attack using anthrax as a weapon, people
exposed would get the vaccine.
What
Should I Do if I Think I Have Anthrax?
If you are showing symptoms of anthrax infection, call your health-care
provider right away.
What
Should I Do if I Think I Have Been Exposed to Anthrax?
Contact local law enforcement immediately if you think that you may have
been exposed to anthrax. This includes being exposed to a suspicious package
or envelope that contains powder.
What
Is CDC Doing To Prepare For a Possible Anthrax Attack?
CDC is working with state and local health authorities to prepare for
an anthrax attack. Activities include:
- Developing
plans and procedures to respond to an attack using anthrax.
- Training
and equipping emergency response teams to help state and local governments
control infection, gather samples, and perform tests. Educating health-care
providers, media, and the general public about what to do in the event
of an attack.
- Working
closely with health departments, veterinarians, and laboratories to
watch for suspected cases of anthrax. Developing a national electronic
database to track potential cases of anthrax.
- Ensuring
that there are enough safe laboratories for quickly testing of suspected
anthrax cases.
- Working
with hospitals, laboratories, emergency response teams, and health-care
providers to make sure they have the supplies they need in case of an
attack.
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