Anthrax Symptoms
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus
anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower
vertebrates cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores, but
it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue
from infected animals. Anthrax infection can occur in three forms:
cutaneous (skin), inhalational, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores
can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax
by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from
contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked
meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United
States.
Symptoms of Anthrax
Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but
symptoms usually occur within 7 days.
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Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur
when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when
handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat
hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that
resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and
then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic
black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area
may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in
death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
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Inhalational: Initial symptoms may resemble a common
cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing
problems and shock. Inhalational anthrax is usually fatal.
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Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax
may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an
acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of
appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood,
and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of
cases.
If you believe that you're at risk of anthrax exposure, for example, you work
in an environment where anthrax has been detected immediately notify authorities
for testing and see a doctor for evaluation and care. If you develop signs and
symptoms of the disorder after exposure to animals or animal products in parts
of the world where anthrax exists, seek prompt medical attention. Early
diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
Anthrax to Symptoms A
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