anthrax
a serious infectious disease of cattle and sheep, which can be transmitted to humans and is caused by a BACILLUS , B. anthracis. The spores of the bacillus remain viable for many years and are resistant to destruction. People can be infected by handling contaminated skins, fleeces and bones, and the spores may either be inhaled or enter through a cut in the skin. The danger is increased if the infected skins are dry so that spores and dust are inhaled. The disease takes two forms in human beings, either affecting the lungs (if the spores are inhaled), causing pneumonia (woolsorter's disease), or the skin (if infected through a cut), known as malignant pustule, a severe ulceration.
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.
anthrax