Anthrax

Anthrax (pronounced “AN-thraks”) is an infectious disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The bacteria are dormant, or inactive, in soil. Disease from anthrax mostly affects animals that graze on land that has the bacteria and is extremely rare in the United States.

People can become infected through inhaled bacteria spores, contaminated food or water, or skin wounds. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for this potentially deadly infection. There are other treatments, including a vaccine.

Types of anthrax

The types of anthrax reflect the different ways the bacteria enter your body. Anthrax types include:

• Cutaneous (skin): Bacteria infect your body through a wound in your skin. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common and least deadly form. Veterinarians and people who handle animal wool, hides or hair are at the highest risk.
• Gastrointestinal: This type affects people who eat undercooked or raw meat from an infected animal. The bacteria affect your esophagus, throat, stomach and intestines. Gastrointestinal anthrax is rare in the United States. U.S.-based producers vaccinate livestock against anthrax and identify sick animals before slaughter.
• Inhalation: People who breathe in anthrax spores can develop this deadly form of anthrax. It can cause severe breathing problems and death. Inhalation anthrax is sometimes called woolsorter’s disease because people who work in wool mills — as well as slaughterhouse and tannery workers — may inhale spores from infected animals.
• Injection: People who inject heroin can get injection anthrax. This type is more common in northern Europe and hasn’t been reported in the United States. Injection anthrax causes infection deep under your skin or in muscle.

How common is anthrax?

Anthrax is found all over the world, although the disease is extremely rare in the United States. Disease outbreaks tend to occur in developing countries that don’t vaccinate livestock against the infection. These areas include:

• Caribbean islands.
• Central America.
• Central and Southwest Asia.
• South America.
• Southern and Eastern Europe.
• Sub-Saharan Africa.

Is anthrax a biological weapon?

A bioterrorism anthrax attack using anthrax spores is a possibility. In 2001, a U.S. military researcher mailed envelopes containing anthrax powder to members of Congress and the media. Five of the 22 people who developed cutaneous or inhalation anthrax died. Federal agencies continue to work to prevent future anthrax attacks.