What it is
Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a germ that lives in soil. Many people know it from the 2001 bioterror attacks, when someone deliberately spread anthrax through the U.S. mail, killing five people and sickening 22.
Who gets it
Anthrax is rare. It affects cattle, sheep and goats more often than people. People can get it from contact with infected animals, wool, meat or hides.
Three forms
| Form | Affects | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Cutaneous | the skin | touching the bacteria through a cut or open sore |
| Inhalation | the lungs | breathing in spores |
| Gastrointestinal | the digestive system | eating infected meat |
Treatment and prevention
- Antibiotics often cure anthrax if it's found early — but many people don't know they have it until it's too late to treat.
- A vaccine is available for people in the military and others at high risk.
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Anthrax," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
LanguagesEnglish
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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