Anne Arundel County Department of Health
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Patient Handouts
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is a disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium. It most commonly occurs in hoofed animals, such as cows and horses. It
also can infect humans.
How does a person become infected with anthrax?
There are three ways:
- By inhaling the anthrax spores (Inhalation)
- Through a cut or break in the skin while in direct contact with the anthrax bacterium (Cutaneous)
- By eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with the anthrax bacterium (Intestinal).
Can anthrax be spread from person to person?
No. Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely. People who have been in contact with a person ill with anthrax do
not need to be immunized or treated, unless they were also exposed to the same source of infection.
What are the symptoms of inhaled anthrax?
The early symptoms of inhalation anthrax are very similar to many other illnesses, such as the flu. They include fever, cough, difficulty
breathing and chest discomfort but not the runny nose that usually happens with other respiratory infections. If you have these
symptoms, it does not mean you have anthrax. People who have inhalation anthrax will usually start to feel much sicker two to four
days after the first symptoms start. They will begin to have a very difficult time breathing and may go into shock.
What are the symptoms of skin (cutaneous) anthrax?
Skin anthrax starts off as a reddish raised lesion that enlarges into a round ulcer by the second day. Very small blisters may appear
around the larger lesion. A painless, black scab often forms next, and will fall off in one to two weeks, usually without leaving a scar. If
you have a rash that fits this description, contact your health care provider. Infection may spread to the bloodstream, causing fever,
chills, nausea, sweating and shock.
What are the symptoms of intestinal anthrax?
This infection causes intestinal inflammation. Initial symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever, followed by abdominal
pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea.
How long after exposure do symptoms occur?
It varies. Incubation is usually one to seven days; however, symptoms may not occur for up to two months.
What is used to treat anthrax?
Antibiotics are effective against anthrax. They are available only by prescription.
Should I take antibiotics just to be safe?
No. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotics will lose their effectiveness, even
against common bacteria. Also, antibiotics have side effects that you might mistake for infection and can cause allergic reactions.
Should I buy a gas mask?
There is no need to buy or use a gas mask.
Is there a vaccine to protect people against anthrax?
Yes. However, because it can cause unpleasant reactions, only certain military personnel, some laboratory workers and animal
handlers whose work puts them at risk for anthrax exposure may get the vaccine. Routine vaccination of the general public against
anthrax is not recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices.
I have a suspicious letter or package--what should I do?
The best think to do is to disturb it as little as possible. Do not open, empty or shake it. Do not carry it, show it to others or allow
others to examine it. Above all, do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or any contents that may have spilled.
Put the package or envelope gently down on a stable surface. Leave the room and close the door to prevent others from entering. If
possible, shut off the ventilation.
Wash your hands with soap and water. Call 911.
You do not need to contact your doctor or go to the emergency room unless you feel sick, or if the authorities notify you that the letter
contained anthrax.
Additional information may be obtained at Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov or State of
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - http://www.dhmh.state.md.us
Posted 6/17/04
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