Biological Warfare

Anthrax

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in hoofed mammals and can also infect humans. Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days after exposure. The three forms of human anthrax are inhalation anthrax, cutaneous (skin) anthrax, and intestinal anthrax.

Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal.

Cutaneous anthrax is caused when the bacteria come into direct contact with skin that has been cut or has a break in it. The disease first causes a raised, itchy bump that resembles an insect bite. Within one to two days after the bump appears, a small blister develops. This blister then becomes a painless sore with a black center. Lymph glands in the area of the infection may swell.

The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated food and is characterized by an inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea.

Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely. Therefore, there is no need to immunize or treat contacts of persons ill with anthrax, such as household contacts, friends, or coworkers, unless they also were also exposed to the same source of infection.

In persons exposed to anthrax, infection can be prevented with antibiotic treatment. Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essential-delay lessens chances for survival. Anthrax usually is susceptible to penicillin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones. An anthrax vaccine also can prevent infection. Vaccination against anthrax is not recommended for the general public to prevent disease.

Anthrax FAQs

Anthrax: What You Need to Know from the American Council of Science and Health, 2003

Links to additional anthrax information can be found under Anthrax on the Emerging Health Concerns Page