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What is anthrax and how is it spread? Anthrax is an infectious disease caused
by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria is
naturally found in soil and some hoofed animals.
No. Anthrax spores are invisible and odorless. How much anthrax does it take to make someone sick? Approximately 10, 000 spores. What happens when a person breathes the spores? The spores become trapped in the lungs. There, they are picked up by immune-system cells called macrophages, which carry them to the lymph nodes. The spores mature into bacteria. How does anthrax make people sick? The bacteria multiply in the lymph nodes and then enter the bloodstream. They produce a poison that causes the immune system to produce deadly doses of chemicals. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax may resemble the common cold or flu, which may later develop into a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock and difficulty breathing. How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms usually develop within 7 days, but they may also take up to six weeks. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal (death can occur within 3 days of the start of symptoms). However early antibiotic treatment before the onset of symptoms increases the chances for survival. Can it be treated? Antibiotics such as Cipro or doxycycline, have been successful if given before symptoms start. Is it contagious? What about a vaccine? Anthrax is not spread from person to person. Those who come into contact with persons sick with anthrax cannot acquire the disease. Anthrax vaccine requires 6 shots over an 18 month period with periodic boosters, and this vaccine is not commercially available. |
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