ANTHRAX
Public Health Preparedness Program
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax is a serious disease that is caused by bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores
that can survive dormant in the environment for long periods of time. Anthrax can be found
naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals such as cattle, sheep, goats,
antelope, and deer. The animals become infected when they breathe in or ingest spores in
contaminated soil, plants, or water. This allows the spores to multiply and spread the bacteria,
producing toxins in the body which can cause serious illness and death. There are four types of
Anthrax, depending on how anthrax enters the body:
• Cutaneous anthrax – enters the skin through a cut or scrape.
• Inhalation anthrax – enters the lungs from breathing in spores; most deadly form.
• Gastrointestinal anthrax – enters digestive system from ingestion of infected meat.
• Injection anthrax – enters vein by injection; found in heroin-injecting drug users.
Why are we Concerned About Anthrax as a Bioweapon?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacillus anthracis is one of the most
likely agents to be used in a biological attack, because:
• Anthrax spores are easily found in nature, can be produced in a lab, and can last for a
long time in the environment.
• Anthrax makes for a good weapon because it can be released quietly and without anyone
knowing. The microscopic spores could be put into powders, sprays, food and water;
because they are so small, you may not be able to see, smell, or taste them.
• Anthrax has been used as a weapon before.
An anthrax attack could take many forms. For example, in a powder form it could be placed in
letters and mailed, as was done in 2001, it could be put into food or water, or it could be
released into the air. If anthrax spores were released into the air, people could breathe them in
and get sick with anthrax. It only takes a small amount of anthrax to infect a large number of
people. Inhalation anthrax is the most serious form and can kill quickly if not treated
immediately.
Transmission: How does Someone Become Infected with Anthrax?
Anthrax is not contagious, meaning it is NOT spread from one person to another person.
Anthrax from animals - Humans can become infected with anthrax through handling infected
animals or other materials containing anthrax spores, or by breathing in spores from infected
animal products (like wool, for example).
Anthrax as a weapon - Anthrax could be put into our food or water supply, or released into the
air. In an intentional exposure, such as a bioterrorism event, breathing in spores that have been
released into the air is the most likely route of exposure.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anthrax?
The symptoms of anthrax are different and depend on the type of infection. All types of anthrax
have the potential, if untreated, to spread throughout the body and cause severe illness, even
death.
Cutaneous Anthrax - Symptoms include a group of small blisters or bumps that may itch,
found most often on the face, neck, arms, or hands. The blisters then develop into a painless
skin sore with a black area in the center. Swelling can occur around the sore.
Gastrointestinal Anthrax - Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and
fever, followed by abdominal pain or swelling, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea.
Symptoms can also include fever and chills, swelling of neck or neck glands, sore throat, painful
swallowing, hoarseness, headache, flushing red face and red eyes, and fainting.
Inhalation Anthrax - Early symptoms may resemble those of flu or a common cold and include
fever and chills/sweats, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and weakness/tiredness,
difficulty breathing and chest discomfort. Other symptoms could include confusion or dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe
breathing problems and shock.
How Soon do Infected People get Sick?
Symptoms can take anywhere from one day to more than two months to appear, but typically
appear within seven days of coming in contact with the bacterium for all types of anthrax.
How is Anthrax Treated?
All types of anthrax infection can be treated with antibiotics, including intravenous antibiotics.
Another option that doctors have is antitoxin. Patients with serious cases of anthrax will need to
be hospitalized. They may require aggressive treatment, such as continuous fluid drainage and
help breathing through mechanical ventilation.
Can a Person Exposed to Anthrax Avoid Becoming Sick?
Yes. Antibiotics can prevent anthrax from developing in people who have been exposed but have
not developed symptoms. Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline are two of the antibiotics that could be
used to prevent anthrax. Those exposed must take antibiotics for 60 days. While there is a
vaccine licensed to prevent anthrax, it is not typically available to the general public. However, if
there were ever an anthrax emergency, people who are exposed might be given anthrax vaccine
to help prevent disease by a special emergency protocol.
Would Enough Medication be Available in the Event of a Bioterrorism Attack?
Yes. National and state public health officials have large supplies of drugs needed in the event of
a bioterrorism attack. These supplies can be sent anywhere in the United States within 12 hours.
What is the Washoe County Health District Doing to Prepare for an Anthrax Outbreak?
In the event of a weaponized anthrax attack or outbreak, the Washoe County Health District will
announce detailed instructions on how to obtain preventive medication through a point of
dispensing (POD) site. This information will be available through the media and the Washoe
County Health District website.
Source: www.cdc.gov