Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium. It mainly affects animals. Humans can become infected through contact with an infected animal or by inhaling spores. A rare but serious bacterial illness.
Symptoms depend on the route of infection. They can range from a skin ulcer with a dark scab to difficulty breathing.
Antibiotic treatment cures most infections. Inhaled anthrax is harder to treat and can be fatal.
Anthrax symptoms can include:
Symptoms depend on the route of infection. They can range from a skin ulcer with a dark scab to difficulty breathing.
- Fever and chills.
- Swelling of neck or neck glands.
- Sore throat.
- Painful swallowing.
- Hoarseness.
- Nausea and vomiting, especially bloody vomiting.
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea.
- Headache.
How people get infected with anthrax
People get infected with anthrax when spores get into the body. When anthrax spores get inside the body, they can be “activated.” The bacteria can then multiply, spread out in the body, produce toxins, and cause severe illness.
This can happen when people breathe in spores, eat food or drink water contaminated with spores, or get spores in a cut or scrape in the skin. It is very uncommon for people in the United States to get infected with anthrax.Treatment consists of antibiotics
Antibiotic treatment cures most infections. Inhaled anthrax is harder to treat and can be fatal.
All types of anthrax infection can be treated with antibiotics, including intravenous antibiotics (medicine given through the vein). If someone has symptoms of anthrax, it's important to get medical care as quickly as possible to have the best chances of a full recovery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANTHRAX HERE!
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