10853 Anthrax

Overview

Anthrax is a rare but serious infection caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. These bacteria can form tough, dormant capsules called spores that can survive in soil and animal products. People usually get anthrax from touching, breathing in, or eating contaminated animal products. It is not a common illness, but it can be dangerous if not treated quickly.

No, anthrax is very rare in most parts of the world. It is most likely to occur in agricultural areas where people work closely with livestock or animal products.

People who work with animals or animal products — such as farmers, wool sorters, butchers, and tannery workers — are at higher risk. It can also affect laboratory workers and military personnel in high-risk settings.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A raised, itchy sore that turns into a painless blister with a black center (skin anthrax)
• Swelling around the sore
• Fever, headache, and muscle aches
• Cough, chest pain, and trouble breathing (if the lungs are infected)
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (if the digestive tract is infected)

Symptoms in children

• Symptoms are similar to adults, but children may become dehydrated faster with digestive symptoms.
• A sore on the skin may be more easily irritated or scratched.
• Fever and fussiness may be the first signs in infants or toddlers.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have more severe lung or breathing symptoms.
• They are more likely to develop complications from infection in the bloodstream.
• Symptoms may be mistaken for other illnesses, so a careful medical history is important.

Causes

Main causes

• Contact with infected animals, such as cattle, sheep, or goats
• Handling contaminated animal products, like wool, hides, hair, or meat
• Breathing in anthrax spores from contaminated dust or wool
• Eating undercooked, contaminated meat
• Very rarely, intentional release of anthrax spores (bioterrorism)

Risk factors

• Working with livestock or animal hides and wool
• Working in a laboratory that studies anthrax
• Military or emergency response roles that may involve bioterrorism response
• Traveling to areas where anthrax is more common and agriculture is unregulated
• Using contaminated animal products like drums made from animal skins

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have symptoms of anthrax and you have been exposed to animals, animal products, or contaminated environments
• If you develop a skin sore that turns black, especially after a known exposure
• If you have fever, breathing problems, or severe belly pain after possible exposure

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a possible exposure and want to know your risk
• If you have a persistent sore that does not heal
• If you are worried about a travel-related exposure

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel history, and possible exposure to animals or animal products. If anthrax is suspected, they will order tests on fluid from a skin sore, blood, or other samples to look for the bacteria or its genetic material.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection
• Skin swab or fluid sample from a sore
• Sputum (mucus from lungs) or spinal fluid test if breathing or brain symptoms are present
• Chest X-ray or CT scan to examine the lungs if inhalational anthrax is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

If your doctor suspects anthrax, you will likely start antibiotics right away, even before test results come back. Tests can take a few days. In the meantime, you may be kept in the hospital for close monitoring, especially if you have breathing symptoms.

Treatment

Anthrax is treated with antibiotics. The type and duration of treatment depend on the form of anthrax and how severe it is. Skin anthrax may be treated at home, while lung or digestive anthrax usually requires care in a hospital.

Self-care at home

• Keep any skin sore clean and covered with a bandage
• Do not squeeze or scratch the sore
• Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and finish the full course
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Follow up with your doctor to make sure the infection is gone

Medical treatments

Antibiotics are the main treatment for all forms of anthrax. If the infection is severe or has spread, treatment may be given through an IV in the hospital, sometimes along with other supportive care like oxygen or fluids. Some people may receive additional treatments that help neutralize the harmful effects of the bacteria, but these are used only in certain situations and must be prescribed by a specialist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed, but in severe skin infections, a doctor may need to remove dead or damaged tissue to help the area heal.

Living with this condition

Recovery from anthrax can take several weeks. You will need to finish your full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check that the infection has fully cleared.

Lifestyle tips

• Get plenty of rest while your body fights the infection
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke to protect your lungs
• Wash your hands often and keep any skin sore covered
• Stay away from work or school until your doctor says it is safe to return

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet to help your body recover. Drink fluids, especially if you had digestive symptoms. Gradually return to your normal activities and exercise as your energy allows.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of anthrax can be frightening, especially if you were exposed at work or in the community. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, or worried. Talk to your healthcare team about these feelings, and do not hesitate to ask for mental health support.

Prevention

Yes, anthrax can be prevented. For most people, this means avoiding contact with infected animals and contaminated animal products. In high-risk jobs, using protective clothing, gloves, and masks is important. If a known exposure occurs, quick medical evaluation and antibiotics can prevent the disease from developing.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine against anthrax. It is not for the general public, but it is offered to people at high risk, such as certain military personnel, laboratory workers, and people who work with animal products in areas where anthrax is common. If you think you may be at risk, ask your doctor or occupational health service.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for anthrax in the general public. Testing is only recommended for people with symptoms or known exposure.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis
• Inhalational anthrax can lead to severe breathing failure and shock
• Anthrax can cause meningitis, an infection of the lining around the brain
• Digestive anthrax can cause severe bleeding, tissue damage, and dehydration
• Without treatment, serious forms of anthrax can be fatal

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with skin anthrax recover completely. Even more serious forms of anthrax, such as lung or digestive anthrax, have a better chance of a full recovery when treatment is started quickly. Most people who receive prompt medical care do survive. Your healthcare team is there to support you through every step.

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