occurs naturally around the world in wild and domestic hoofed animals
spread
Anthrax is usually spread in the form of a spore.
incubation
approximately 10 days for inhalational anthrax
symptoms
skin (cutaneous): this is the most common form of anthrax; infection requires a break in the skin; the first symptoms include itching where the skin has been exposed; then, a large boil or sore appears; the sore becomes covered by a black scab; if not treated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
inhalation: inhalation anthrax has been very rare in the U.S.; first symptoms include fever, fatigue, malaise and a cough or chest pain. High fever, rapid pulse, and severe difficulty breathing follow in 2–5 days; inhalation anthrax is often fatal
gastrointestinal: this form occurs only after eating infected, undercooked meat; first symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, loose, watery bowel movements, and vomiting with blood
communicability
Anthrax has no secondary communicability.
prevention
Persons known to be exposed to confirmed anthrax spores will be given antibiotics, usually ciprofloxacin (Cipro) , or doxycycline, to prevent infection.
treatment
There are several antibiotics that are used successfully to treat anthrax. Treatment is highly effective in cases of cutaneous (skin) anthrax and is effective in inhalation and gastrointestinal anthrax if begun early in the course of infection. The United States has a large supply of these antibiotics and can quickly manufacture more if needed.
