Anthrax

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KEY POINTS

• Anthrax is a type of bacteria that forms spores and can infect people and animals.
• Anthrax bacteria is found naturally in soil, but infections in people are very rare in the US.
• Anthrax infections can be fatal if they are not treated early with antibiotics.
• If you are currently in an area where anthrax has been found AND you have suspicious symptoms, report them to your healthcare provider.

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What is anthrax?

Anthrax is a type of bacteria that lives in the soil and forms spores. The bacteria and spores can infect animals and people. Anthrax infections can be fatal if they are not treated early with antibiotics. Anthrax bacteria are common but human anthrax infections are very rare in the US. You can get anthrax from contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or hides. Anthrax is not contagious, which means you can’t catch it like the cold or flu.

What is the cause?

You may get infected with anthrax if:

• You handle infected animals or touch something that has the bacteria on it. Most anthrax infections happen when the bacteria enter a cut or scrape in the skin.
• You breathe the bacteria or spores into your lungs.
• You eat undercooked meat from infected animals.
• You inject anthrax, which may be mixed with drugs such as heroin.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms depend on the kind of anthrax you have and can take from 1 day to more than 2 months to appear

If you have skin or injection anthrax, symptoms may include:

• Raised itchy bumps or blisters that may itch. In 1 to 2 days bumps or blisters become painless open sores with a black area in the center. You may have swelling around the sores.

Injection anthrax can spread throughout the body faster and be harder to treat than skin anthrax.

If you have breathed in anthrax, symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Confusion or dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains
• Headache
• Heavy sweating
• Feeling very tired
• Body aches

The symptoms may get worse quickly. The infection can cause severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal if it is not treated quickly.

If you have anthrax in your digestive system, symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills
• Swelling in your neck
• Sore throat and hoarseness
• Nausea, bloody vomiting, or bloody diarrhea
• Headache
• Stomach pain and swelling
• Fainting

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Sputum culture, which is a test of a sample of mucus coughed up from deep in your lungs
• X-rays
• CT scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to show detailed pictures of the chest
• Tests of a sample of your bowel movements
• A biopsy, which is the removal of a small sample of infected tissue for testing

If there is a chance you have been exposed, you may need to start treatment before the test results are back.

How is it treated?

All types of anthrax can be treated with antibiotics or antitoxin medicines. It is very important to get treatment as soon as possible.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent anthrax?

There is a vaccine that can help prevent anthrax infection, but it is not available for everyone. It is recommended only for:

• People who work with animal hides or furs
• People who work with animal products that have high rates of anthrax infection
• People who study anthrax in the lab
• Some people in the armed services

If there is a threat of bioterrorism with anthrax, here are some things you can do to help keep from getting infected with anthrax:

• Don’t handle suspicious letters, packages, or other objects.
• Don’t eat meat that has not been cooked properly.