Anthrax

Anthrax is a potentially deadly bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.¹ Anthrax lives dormant in a spore and, under specific circumstances, may become active.² While it is most common for anthrax to infect animals, humans can also become infected by this bacteria.³

Fast Facts

1. Cause: Bacterium Bacillus anthracis¹
2. Symptoms usually appear within seven days of infection⁴
3. 89 types⁵
4. Three types of infection: Cutaneous, inhalation, intestinal⁴
5. Cutaneous symptoms: Painless, but itchy, blisters with black centers⁴
6. Inhalation symptoms: Often cold and flu-like⁴
7. Majority of cases (95%) are cutaneous⁴
8. Treatment: Antibiotics⁶

2001 Attacks

In 2001, a series of anthrax attacks, spread via mail in the United States, brought to light use of anthrax as a means of bioterrorism. The attacks caused five deaths and left another 17 people sick.⁷ The main suspect in the attacks, microbiologist Bruce E. Ivins, committed suicide on July 29, 2008. His death came shortly before the U.S. Department of Justice was set to file charges against Ivins for crimes related to the attacks.⁸

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Anthrax, please consult your doctor.

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