| |
 |
|
:: en Español
::
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, blood 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.]
:: back to the top :: 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.
:: state of michigan department
of community health - guidelines for handling anthrax scares
or threats in letters or packages
::
:: en Español
:: The contents of this page, as well as other information on bioterrorism,
are provided by:
|
|
|
|
