Anthrax
Questions and Answers
Written by Carol A. Rice, Ph.D., R.N., Professor and Extension Health Specialist
The following information is formatted for use as a radio or television script. It can also be used as a news release.
Introductory Statement
Many people are wondering if there is something they should do to protect their families and homes from a disease few of us ever thought much about until recently—anthrax. Only a very few people in the U.S. have actually been exposed to anthrax, but listening to the almost continuous news reports on the television and radio leads many of us to feel an urgent need to do something. We have asked several people to come today to discuss what we need to know about anthrax and what families can do to protect themselves.
Q: What is anthrax?
A: Anthrax is a disease that has been around since ancient times. Anthrax bacteria form spores that can remain dormant in our environment for many years. Anthrax spores are very hard to destroy. Once anthrax spores get into an animal or person, they change to the disease causing form, multiplying quickly. This disease causing form makes animals and people very sick by releasing very powerful toxins or poisons.
Q: How do people get anthrax?
A: Unlike colds and flu, anthrax is not passed from one person to another. Anthrax gets into a person’s body either through a cut or sore in the skin, through the nose into the lungs, or through the digestive system when someone eats meat from an animal sick with anthrax.
Until recently, people usually caught anthrax from infected animals or contaminated animal products including meat, wool and hides. Cattle and other grass-eating animals such as deer are most often infected because they eat or inhale spores living in soil. Animal anthrax is rare today because of animal vaccination programs. In other cases, people developed anthrax by working with contaminated soil. However, recent cases are due to anthrax spores being sent through the postal system.
Q: What is the most common kind of anthrax?
A: Anthrax is a rare infectious disease. Skin anthrax is by far the most common form, accounting for 95% of the known cases. Until September, 2001, only one human case of skin anthrax was reported in the U.S. since 1992. No cases of inhalation anthrax were reported in the U.S. since 1978 and only 18 cases were reported between 1900 and 1978. No cases of the digestive system type of anthrax have been recorded in this country.
Q: Why do anthrax spores make people so sick?
A: When anthrax spores get inside the body, they grow rapidly. While the bacteria themselves can cause dangerous infections, they produce a far more dangerous substance in the body. This substance, known as anthrax toxin, helps the bacteria survive by killing off cells of the immune system. This toxin is what makes anthrax so deadly.
Q: What symptoms should I watch for?
A: The symptoms of anthrax infection depend on how a person catches the disease. All forms of anthrax can be cured by prompt, aggressive antibiotic treatment if they are diagnosed early enough.
The skin type starts with an itchy bump that looks like a mosquito bite. After a day or two, it forms a small liquid-filled sac. This sac then becomes a painless ulcer with an area of black, dead tissue in the middle. Antibiotic treatment cures this type of anthrax, but if left untreated, it can result in death.
The signs of intestinal anthrax infection are nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. This is followed by severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Antibiotic treatment cures this type of anthrax, but if left untreated, it can also result in death.
Inhalation anthrax, the most deadly form of the disease, begins with the same symptoms as the flu, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. As early as one day after these symptoms appear—but up to weeks later—the symptoms suddenly become much more severe, usually with breathing problems and shock. This form of the disease is often fatal.
Q: How is anthrax treated?
A: First, anthrax has to be identified and then quickly treated with an appropriate antibiotic. We have heard much about an antibiotic called Cipro (ciprofloxacin) as the treatment for anthrax. However, there are two other antibiotics available to treat this disease: doxycycline and penicillin.
Q: Should families try to get Cipro or another antibiotic just in case they might be exposed?
A: People should NOT stockpile antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment for anthrax should never be started unless a doctor determines you have been exposed to anthrax or actually have the disease. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily increases the chance they might not work when really needed. Also, people can have dangerous allergic reactions. Further, powerful antibiotics like Cipro can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. Only those people known to be exposed should receive preventive treatment with antibiotics to keep from developing anthrax.
Q: What can I do if I think I have been exposed to anthrax?
A: Remember, most people in the U.S. will never be exposed to anthrax. There are 280 million people in the U.S., and only a very small number have developed anthrax! However, if you think you have received a suspicious package or letter, do not shake it or try to clean anything. Walk away from it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, keep others away, and call the police. But…remember this is very unlikely to happen in our county.
Q: Can I get an immunization for anthrax?
A: Anthrax vaccine is not recommended for or available to the general public. For further information on anthrax immunizations contact the Texas Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control.
Q: How can I tell the difference between an anthrax infection and the flu?
A: The early symptoms of inhalation anthrax are the same as those of a mild case of flu. Treatment to prevent anthrax begins only after a person has had a suspected exposure. There is no quick test that can show whether a person has been exposed to anthrax. If a cold or flu suddenly gets much worse—especially with a severe headache—seek immediate medical attention. Remember that you have a far greater risk of developing the flu, which results in thousands of deaths each year. Getting a flu shot is a really good investment in your health.
Q: Can I catch anthrax from someone else?
A: No. Anthrax can’t be spread from person to person.
Q: Who should I contact in my local area if I think I have been exposed to anthrax?
A: Contact your local police department, or call 911, and contact your local health department or your doctor for more information if you think you’ve been exposed to anthrax. Don’t start taking antibiotics unless advised to do so by your doctor or by health authorities.
Q: Is there anything I can do to help my immune system function at its best?
A: Yes, research has shown there are a number of things you can do to keep your immune system
working well. Our bodies have very powerful immune systems to protect us from infections. Unfortunately, we do many
things to keep that system from working to its greatest level of effectiveness. You can help your family have better
resistance to infections by:
- Avoiding or quitting tobacco or
- Avoiding smoking around others, especially children
- Exercising 30 minutes, 5 times each week
- Eating 5 fruits and vegetables each day
- Sleeping 8 hours a night
- Avoiding more than 2 alcoholic drinks each day
- Controlling stress
- Staying current on immunizations—you are far more likely to catch the flu than anthrax
Closing Statement
Remember, most of us will never be exposed to anthrax. There are 280 million people in this country, and only a very small number have developed this disease. Far more people are injured or die every day from not wearing seatbelts, using tobacco, drinking alcohol excessively, being inactive or not getting their immunizations. These are all things we need to be concerned about, and also things that we can change!
Reference:
Inglesby, Thomas V., M.D., et al. (May 12, 1999). “Anthrax as a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management.” Journal of the American Medical Association, 281:18, 1735–1745.
