About Anthrax

Anthrax is a disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. In the past, it affected mostly herb-eating animals, such as cattle and sheep, but today it has become well known as a potential biological weapon. Although the frequently deadly infection can be found around the world, it rarely affects humans in the United States. It is most common in developing countries.

The Facts

• Although anthrax typically affects animals like cows, sheep and goats, it is a threat to humans. Humans usually get it when they are exposed to infected animals. It is most commonly found in Europe, Asia, Africa and parts of Central and South America. It is also found in parts of the Middle East and the Caribbean islands. The United States has a small number of yearly outbreaks of the disease in both livestock and wild game animals, including deer. Those who work with infected animals or have contact with the remains of infected animals are most at risk for contracting the disease.

Misconceptions

• Many people are well aware that anthrax can be contracted through inhalation, but other methods of infection are less well known. In fact, anthrax infection can also occur through the skin (cutaneous), when the bacteria enter through a cut or sore, as well as through the gastrointestinal tract, when infected meat is undercooked and then eaten.

Identification

• Symptoms of anthrax infection depend on how it was contracted. For cutaneous infection, symptoms include a raised, pain-free bump that itches and looks much like a run-of-the-mill insect bite. After a couple of days, it develops into an ulcer (with a dying area in its center) and the surrounding tissues swell. Inhalation symptoms resemble those of the common cold, but lead to shock and breathing difficulty after several days. Intestinal anthrax symptoms resemble those of a stomach virus, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and loss of appetite. Sore throat, neck swelling and difficulty swallowing may occur as well. The patient may also vomit blood and develop lesions on the throat.

Effects

• Anthrax doesn't always kill, but it is a potentially fatal disease. The chances of death depend on the type of anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax is fatal in about 20 percent of untreated cases. When antimicrobial treatment is applied, however, this form of anthrax is rarely fatal. Intestinal anthrax claims about 25 to 60 percent of the lives it touches. Inhalation anthrax is much more fatal, usually resulting in death, even with sophisticated medical care. Typical death rates from this form are about 75 percent.

History of

• Though anthrax most often occurs as the result of natural exposure, it has been used in bio-terrorist attacks. In 2001, terrorists sent anthrax spores through the United States mail, sickening at least 17 people and killing five of them. This was a higher-than-typical survival rate. The perpetrators of these horrendous attacks have yet to be discovered.