WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is anthrax? Anthrax is an infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria are found in soil and spread from animals to humans. Cutaneous anthrax, or skin infection, is the most common. Lung infection is rare and may develop if you breathe in the bacteria. Intestine infection is also rare and may develop if you eat food that contains the bacteria. What increases my risk for anthrax? - Contact with infected animals, such as their hair or hides
- Contact with the organism itself
- Travel to or work in a high-risk area
- Exposure during a bioterrorist event
- Substance abuse
What are the signs and symptoms of anthrax? You may have a fever, headache, muscle aches, or swollen glands with any of the 3 types of infection. - Skin infection:
- Raised, itchy bump, like an insect bite
- One or more blisters with swelling around them
- Painless ulcer covered by a black scab
- Lung infection:
- Cough or trouble breathing
- A cold sweat
- Chest pain
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or dizziness
- Intestine infection:
- Severe sore throat
- Vomiting blood
- Loss of appetite
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your bowel movement
How is anthrax diagnosed? - Blood tests will show the bacteria causing your infection.
- A sample of an open sore or mucus you cough up may show the anthrax bacteria.
- An x-ray or CT may show signs of an anthrax infection. You may be given contrast liquid to help your chest and abdomen show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
How is anthrax treated? - Antibiotics help treat the infection caused by the anthrax bacteria.
- The anthrax vaccine helps prevent all forms of infection. The vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk for infection. This includes anyone who works directly with the bacteria, such as in a lab. Military personnel and anyone who travels to or works with animal hides or fur in high-risk areas should also be vaccinated. The vaccine is not recommended for anyone younger than 18 years.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have severe shortness of breath.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your abdomen is swollen, tender, and hard.
- You have severe pain.
- You vomit blood or have blood in your bowel movements.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a sudden, high fever.
- Your symptoms do not go away or they get worse, even after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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