Anthrax

Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacteria that can form spores. A spore contains the vital parts of the bacteria in a hard cover that allows it to live until good conditions allow it to grow. The bacteria spores can live in soil for many years. Anthrax most commonly occurs in grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Anthrax is not contagious. That is, you cannot get anthrax from contact with a person who is sick with anthrax. Grazing animals get anthrax from eating spores in the soil. When the animal dies and is not disposed of properly new spores can be left behind in the soil. Anthrax is not spread through animal milk or from one animal to another. Human cases of anthrax are mostly seen in poor countries where people may get sick from preparing and eating food from an animal that died of anthrax. It is also seen in people who handle animal hides and skins, such as wool factory workers. Anthrax has also been made into a biological weapon. In 2001, processed anthrax spores were mailed in letters causing 22 people in the eastern United States to become ill, including five deaths. In 1979, an accident in a Soviet weapons plant released anthrax into the air killing more than sixty people in a nearby town.

If you see a package or envelope that you think may contain anthrax, do not open it. Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Call 911 or local law enforcement for additional instructions. If you believe you were exposed to anthrax in your line of work or have symptoms, contact your employer or physician for instructions. They may need to discuss the situation with the local health department or law enforcement officials to find out if anthrax was present. In the event of an intentional anthrax attack in your area, pay attention to media alerts and follow the instructions of public health officials.