What is anthrax?

Ken Johnston
Editor

What is anthrax and what does it do to humans if they contract it?
That is a question that many people have been asking themselves lately after there have been a small number of cases reported in the USA, connected to what is believed to be a bio terrorist attack through the mail.
What is Anthrax?
It is an infectious disease caused by the “spore-forming bacterium Bacillus Anthracis.” Depending how a person contracts it will determine the severity of the consequences if left untreated.
Inhalation Anthrax
If inhaled an anthrax infection can cause many noticeable symptoms.
According to Ken Allan at the Northwestern Health Unit they can include fever, fatigue, a non-productive cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and abdominal discomfort. While he said that it is very unlikely that any terrorist attacks will be targeted at this area, should people experience the said symptoms they should call their doctor. If treated early enough the chances of the infection becoming fatal is virtually nil. If left untreated a condition known as Respiratory Distress Syndrome will result in increased shortness of breath, sweats, the body looking blue as the blood becomes oxygen starved, more fever and eventually respiratory failure. When untreated the fatality rate is 86%.
Cutaneous Anthrax
This is a result of the skin coming in contact with the bacteria. This is the most common form of anthrax infection and accounts for 95% of them. It usually occurs when the bacteria enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, usually from handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals.
It begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then painless ulcer, usually 1-3 centimeters in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20% of these cases are fatal if left untreated. Chances of exposure to this bacteria are again, “rare” according the Allan.
Intestinal Anthrax
This may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Early symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever. If left untreated abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea. The death rate ranges from 25-60% of cases. However, again Allan stressed that contracting this form is extremely rare, given they have stringent monitoring systems in place to watch for Anthrax and the safety of the nation’s food supply is tested regularly.