Anthrax

The word anthrax is derived from the Greek word anthrakis, or "coal", in reference to the black skin lesions victims develop.

How is anthrax transmitted?

Anthrax spores are very small and when milled even smaller they can get into the lungs. The spores can then germinate and the bacteria multiply and after a few days they produce toxins that are usually fatal. It takes 5,000 or so spores to cause illness. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.

Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?

Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another person. Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with inhalation anthrax.

Treatment of anthrax is usually effective if begun before the toxins are formed.

Preventionof anthrax by use of antibiotics before actual infection occurs is highly effective.

Anthrax vaccine is available but is cumbersome, has some side effects and takes 2 weeks for early effectiveness and 18 months for full effectiveness.

How to cure the anthrax?

The key to cure, then, are apparent

• Assessment of risk
• Preventive antibiotics if the risk is high
• Symptom watch if there is not proof of exposure
• Early treatment of possible active infection.