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Bioterrorism

Anthrax

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Questions and answers for the general public 

What should I know about anthrax?

• Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
• Anthrax spores can infect humans who are exposed to them by contact with open skin; by being inhaled into the lungs; or by being ingested into the stomach.
• Symptoms of the disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days of exposure.

Is there more than one type?

• Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal

What are the symptoms of anthrax?

• Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles and insect bit 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. Deaths are rare with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

• Inhalation: If the anthrax spores are inhaled into the lungs, 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.
• Gastrointestinal: If the anthrax spores are ingested into the stomach, initial symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. According to CDC, gastrointestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.

How is anthrax diagnosed?

• Anthrax is diagnosed by insolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions, or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of persons with suspected cases.

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.

Is there a vaccine to prevent anthrax?

• Yes, there is an anthrax vaccine. It is manufactured and distributed by BioPort, Corporation, Lansing, Michigan. The vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, which means it contains no dead or live bacteria in the preparation.

What is the protocol for the receiving the anthrax vaccine?

• The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given 2 weeks apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are recommended after that.

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Why has anthrax become a current issue?

• In the aftermath of the events of September and October 2001, anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare. The Department of Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in conflict.

How dangerous is the anthrax threat?

• Anthrax is classified as a Category A Agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Category A agents are believed to pose the greatest potential threat for adverse public health impact and have a moderate to high potential for large-scale dissemination. Other Category A agents are smallpox, plague, botulism, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fever.

If I am concerned about an anthrax attack, can I go to my doctor and get the anthrax vaccine? (CDC smallpox model)

• Vaccination against anthrax is not recommended for the general public to prevent disease and is not available.

Is anthrax contagious?

• No. Anthrax is not contagious; the illness cannot be transmitted from person-to-person.