Anthrax has three major forms: cutaneous (skin),
inhalation, and gastrointestinal. If left untreated, anthrax in all forms can lead
to death.
1. How is anthrax transmitted?
Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous
(skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. Humans can become infected
with anthrax by handling products from infected animals, inhaling anthrax spores
from contaminated animal products, or by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.
It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.
2. What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of disease usually occur within 7 days and
symptoms vary depending on how the disease was contracted-cutaneous (skin), inhalation,
or intestinal.
- Cutaneous (skin): Most (about
95%) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the
skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially
goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that
resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a
painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic
(dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20%
of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with
appropriate anti-microbial therapy.
- Inhalation: Initial symptoms
may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe
breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
- Intestinal: The intestinal
disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized
by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss
of appetite, vomiting, fever, are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood,
and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.
3. Can anthrax be spread from person to person?
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely
unlikely to occur. Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with
patients with inhalational anthrax.
4. Is there a way to prevent infection?
In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination
levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal
products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked.
Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The vaccine is reported
to be 93% effective in protecting against anthrax.
5. Is there a treatment for anthrax?
Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. To be
effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can
be fatal.
CDC Website on Anthrax