Anthrax

• Cutaneous Anthrax

1. Gastrointestinal Anthrax. 

• Inhalation Anthrax

• Injection Anthrax

• People who work in veterinary
• People in areas that have a high risk of exposure to the bacillus anthracis bacteria.
• People who work with farm animals and livestock.
• People who work in laboratories with exposure to anthrax bacteria.

• A weak response to infection
• Sepsis; damage of organ systems.
• Fluid deposits in the spine and brain
• Membrane inflammations
• Hemorrhagic meningitis

• Skin tests
• Endoscopy 
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan
• Blood tests
• Spinal tap: This is a procedure where a little amount of the fluid is surrounding the brain and the spinal cord.

Symptoms

SYMPTOMS OF ANTHRAX

The symptoms of Anthrax is quite dependent on the types of Anthrax. If an individual contracted anthrax through the skin – cutaneous anthrax, the individual may see symptoms like a small raised sore that is itchy and it looks like an insect bite. 

It then becomes a skin ulcer that has a black center. This won’t cause you any pain. The symptoms may take about five days to develop after exposure. 

For individuals who contract Anthrax through inhaling, the symptoms will develop in one week. Sometimes it can be as fast as two days and up to 45 days after being exposed to Anthrax. 

Symptoms include:

• fever, 
• sore throat, 
• cold symptoms, 
• having aching muscles, 
• shortness of breath,
• vomiting, 
• fatigue, and 
• Shaking chills. 

If the mode of infection is through ingestion. It may take about a week before symptoms develop. 

The symptoms include:

• Losing interest in eating just like one does before (loss of appetite).
• Nausea and fever.
• Possibility of having swelling in the neck.
• Having bloody diarrhea.

Causes

CAUSES OF ANTHRAX

Anthrax can be contracted by touching, inhaling, or ingesting anthrax bacteria spores. This means causes three types of Anthrax which were discussed above. An individual can also contract anthrax through animal or biological weapons.

Once the bacteria find a way into your body system. It increases itself in multiple folds, spread, and then produces toxins in the body.

Human beings can be infected by being exposed to animals that are already infected with anthrax. The products from animals eg, hides can also cause infection of anthrax when one is exposed to it. 

When processing animal products, an individual can inhale anthrax spores. Also, the consumption of meat from an infected animal that is not well cooked.

FAQ

Is it possible to contract Anthrax from someone who is infected?

The anthrax disease can not be transmitted from one person to another. There are three means an individual can contract anthrax. 

The first is having direct skin contact with anthrax when one has a cut. The second means is eating the meat of an infected animal, while the third is breathing in anthrax spores.

Could it be that I have anthrax?

You can not be so sure. Only those who have been exposed to anthrax spores can contract it. If you still think there’s a possibility you have it, you can visit a doctor.

Can I take antibiotics, if I think I have anthrax?

As earlier explained, you may need to go to a doctor or a medical practitioner to be diagnosed if you have anthrax. Do not take any antibiotics with medical advice or prior prescription.

Can I survive anthrax?

Yes, you can. However, once you are diagnosed, you need to be treated immediately especially by the type of anthrax you have. 

Inhalation anthrax is considered the deadliest. But with rigorous treatment, about 55% of patients with this type have been recorded to survive.

Where are the different locations where anthrax can occur?

The locations that can be affected by anthrax include; skin, gastrointestinal tract (throat and lungs), stomach, and intestines.