Public Information
ANTHRAX

What is ANTHRAX?                Anthrax is a disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium that 
			        mostly occurs in grazing animals. It is rarely found in the United 
	 			States. There are three types of anthrax: skin, inhalation and 	
				gastrointestinal. Most cases occur on the skin, also known as 	
			        cutaneous anthrax. Inhalation anthrax does not occur naturally.

Signs and Symptoms:             Skin (cutaneous) anthrax infection begins as a raised, itchy bump, 
				similar to an insect bite. The bump then changes into a blister, then 
			 	to a scab with a blackened center. 

 				Lung (inhalation) symptoms begin as an illness similar to the flu 
				and can include coughing, chest pain, sore throat, mild fever, 	
				muscle aches and tiredness. Symptoms may improve briefly before 
				quickly worsening to severe breathing problems and shock. 

		                Digestive (gastrointestinal) symptoms begin with nausea, loss of 
			        appetite, vomiting and fever, followed by stomach pain, vomiting 
			        blood, and severe diarrhea. This form is very rare.

				For all three types of anthrax, people will become sick within 7 	
			        days. For inhalation anthrax, it may take up to 42-60 days for 	
				symptoms to appear. 

Transmission:                   Anthrax is not transmitted person-to-person except rarely from skin 
				lesions. People can become infected by handling or eating infected 
			   	animal products or by breathing it in from an airborne form.  	
				Anthrax can be sprayed from any container capable of producing a 
				very fine mist. It has also been used to contaminate mail.

Treatment:                      Antibiotics are available for all forms of anthrax infection. Inhalation 
				anthrax is difficult to treat unless diagnosed very early in the 	
				course of the infection.

Diagnosis:                      Anthrax is diagnosed by skin biopsy or blood tests. 

Prevention:                     Vaccine is not available for the public and is currently only used by 
			        the Armed Forces, laboratory workers, veterinarians and those 	
			        who work with furs and animal hides. Anyone exposed to anthrax 
			        can be given antibiotics to help prevent the disease.

What can you do?                Report any suspicious powders or mail pieces to local law 	
			        enforcement.

Whom do you call?               Delaware Division of Public Health: 1-888-295-5156

For more information:           Visit the CDC website: www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/index.asp 
 
 
 

24/7 Emergency Contact Number:  1-888-295-5156
Revised: 05/2007
Doc. # 35-05-20/07/05/87