Anthrax
You probably won't have to worry about getting anthrax disease. We offer information about anthrax symptoms, causes, vaccine, and treatment.
Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a germ that lives in soil. Many people know about it from the 2001 bioterror attacks. In the attacks, someone purposely spread anthrax through the U.S. mail. This killed five people and made 22 sick.
Anthrax is rare. It affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats more often than people. People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or hides. It can cause three forms of disease in people. They are:
- Cutaneous, which affects the skin. People with cuts or open sores can get it if they touch the bacteria.
- Inhalation, which affects the lungs. You can get this if you breathe in spores of the bacteria.
- Gastrointestinal, which affects the digestive system. You can get it by eating infected meat.
Antibiotics often cure anthrax if it is diagnosed early. But many people don’t know they have anthrax until it is too late to treat. A vaccine to prevent anthrax is available for people in the military and others at high risk.
Studied by: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health)
Official medical term (MeSH): Anthrax Vaccines, Anthrax
Official medical term (MeSH): Anthrax Vaccines, Anthrax
Official source: U.S. National Library of Medicine, via MedlinePlus. Category: Infections.
Also on our network:
- Infections — Saúde AZ
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician, dentist, or veterinarian with any questions about a health condition — never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. Do not self-medicate. In an emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
