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Anthrax
(malignant edema, woolsorters' disease)
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can infect all warm blooded animals
including man.
Who gets anthrax?
Anthrax is primarily an occupational disease. It is occasionally identified
in individuals who are exposed to dead animals and animal products such
as wool and hair.
How is anthrax spread?
The anthrax bacteria can live in the soil for many years. Man may
become infected with anthrax by inhaling contaminated soil particles
or by handling wool or hair from diseased animals. Infection of the
intestinal tract can occur by eating undercooked meat from diseased
animals.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
The symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure. With skin exposure,
a boil-like lesion appears which eventually forms a black center. A
swelling of the lymph gland under the arm may occur. With respiratory
exposure, symptoms may resemble the common cold and may progress to
severe breathing problems and even death.
How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is usually within seven days.
When and for how long is a person able to spread anthrax?
There are no reports of the disease spreading from human to human.
Does past infection with anthrax make a person immune?
A second attack with this disease is unlikely.
What is the treatment for anthrax?
Penicillin is the drug of choice but tetracycline may also be prescribed.
What can be the effect of not being treated for anthrax?
The disease could be fatal in untreated cases.
What can be done to prevent the spread of anthrax?
Anthrax vaccine is available for people in high-risk occupations.
To prevent anthrax, carefully handle dead animals suspected of having
anthrax; provide good ventilation when processing hides, fur, hair or
wool; and vaccinate animals.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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