Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is most commonly found among animals such as cows, horses, sheep and goats. However in the Caribbean anthrax has not been found in any form for the last twenty (20) years. Anthrax does not occur naturally in powders. Powdered anthrax is man-made.

Anthrax infection in humans is of three types reflecting the route by which the disease was acquired:

Person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely, if it occurs at all. When humans become infected with anthrax, the source is usually infected animals or from exposure to the spores. The transmission of anthrax is as follows:

1. Cutaneous (skin) anthrax occurs when the bacterium enters a cut or a bruise on the skin, such as when handling contaminated skins, wool, flesh or other parts of the infected animal.
2. Intestinal anthrax follows the ingestion of contaminated food, mainly undercooked meat from an infected animal.
3. Pulmonary or inhalation anthrax results from breathing in airborne spores of the bacteria. Anthrax spores in powders enter the body via inhalation.

Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within seven (7) days after exposure.

1. Cutaneous (skin) anthrax starts as a small itchy bump that grows and develops a blackened center.
2. The initial signs of intestinal anthrax are nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever. These are usually followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhoea.
3. The early symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection are similar to the common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax can be fatal.

How is Anthrax Treated or Prevented?

Anthrax disease can be prevented after exposure with prompt antibiotic treatment. Vaccination against anthrax is not recommended for the general public.

For further information, call. ..[PLEASE INSERT YOUR COUNTRY’S DESIGNATED TELEPHONE NUMBER HERE]

Caribbean Epidemiology Centre
16-18 Jamaica Boulevard, Federation Park
P.O. Box 164, Port of Spain
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Tel: (868) 622-4261, Fax: (868) 622-2792
E-mail: postmaster@carec.paho.org

Page last modified 22 October, 2001