ANTHRAX
| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Isolation |
Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium.
In the past, anthrax was transmitted to humans from animals and contaminated animal products. However, bioweapons programs have developed the ability to aerosolize anthrax—make it into a fine mist—which can be easily inhaled. There are three forms of the disease:
- cutaneous anthrax, which affects the skin
- inhalation anthrax, which affects the lungs
- gastrointestinal anthrax, which affects the digestive system
Cutaneous anthrax is the least lethal—about 80% of people infected do not die (even if untreated). Gastrointestinal anthrax is more dangerous—between one quarter and half of those infected (and treated) die. Inhalation anthrax is the most deadly of all—half of those infected in the 2001 postal system attacks died.
Cutaneous anthrax – a small sore develops into a blister. The blister turns into an ulcer with a black center and then a black scab. The patient may also have swollen lymph nodes. The sores do not hurt, though they may itch.
Gastrointestinal anthrax – nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain and fever.
Inhalation anthrax – sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches developing into cough, shortness of breath, lassitude.
In all three types of anthrax, symptoms usually appear within 7 days after exposure though symptoms can take up to 42 days to appear in cases of inhalation anthrax.
Antibiotics are effective against all three forms of anthrax. However, early diagnosis and treatment, particularly of inhalation anthrax, is critical because the infected person can become very sick very quickly.
People who have been exposed to anthrax but who are not yet sick can be vaccinated as well as treated with antibiotics to prevent active infection. There is a vaccine for anthrax but it is not yet available to the public.
Anthrax is not known to spread from person to person, therefore patients undergoing treatment do not require isolation. Standard precautions should be used and contact with wounds or wound drainage should be avoided without appropriate PPE.
