How to Prevent Anthrax Poisoning

Anthrax is an infection caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium. It forms spores as it lives in the soil, becoming active only when conditions will support its growth. Normally, only handlers of animals and animal products are at risk of contracting anthrax, but it has also been used in biological warfare. Anthrax has three forms according to the means of infection: cutaneous, ingested and pulmonary.

Instructions

• 1

  Give the vaccine to individuals who may be at risk of exposure. This normally includes workers who may handle anthrax-containing animals or animal products and laboratory workers. Members of the military also may be exposed to aerosolized anthrax spores as a biological weapon. The human anthrax vaccine is not available to the general public but is approved by the FDA.

• 2

  Administer 0.5 mL human anthrax vaccine subcutaneously. Repeat in two weeks and at 1, 6, 12 and 18 months after the first immunization.

• 3

  Provide a booster injection of 0.5 mL human anthrax vaccine subcutaneously every year thereafter to maintain immunity.

• 4

  Assess the effectiveness of the vaccine with the anthracin skin test. Pulmonary anthrax has by far the worst prognosis; intestinal anthrax is next and cutaneous anthrax has the most favorable prognosis if treated early.

• 5

  Use amoxicillin or doxycycline 60 days after exposure as a prophylaxis measure to prevent infection from aerosolized spores of Bacillus anthracis. Any quinolone may also be used as an alternative.