Health Library

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis . It can occur in humans when they have been exposed to contaminated animals or tissue from these animals.

Different types of anthrax infections can occur. These include:

• Skin infection causing:
  • Skin ulcers
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal infection causing:
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sore throat
  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Swollen lymph glands
• Inhaled infection. This is the most serious form and can cause:
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Breathing problems
  • Shock
  • Brain inflammation

Anthrax is treated with antibiotics. All forms of anthrax can be fatal, especially if not treated.

The anthrax vaccine protects against anthrax. It does not contain cells that cause anthrax.

The following people (aged 18 to 65 years) should get vaccinated. Those who:

• Are lab workers who may come into contact with B. anthracis
• Certain people who handle animals and animal products
• Certain people in the military who run the risk of exposure to anthrax as a biological warfare weapon

• Common, mild side effects include a reaction at the injection site—Soreness, redness, itching, a lump, or a bruise
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Rare, but serious risks include a serious allergic reaction—This condition is usually associated with anaphylaxis , which is an extreme allergic response.
• Other serious adverse events may also occur.

Those who should not get vaccinated include:

• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of anthrax vaccine or any vaccine component
• People with Guillain Barré syndrome
• Those who are very sick

• Take precautions when dealing with animals or animal products that could possibly be contaminated with B. anthracis .
• Begin a course of antibiotic treatment if you have been exposed to anthrax.

It is not believed that anthrax can be spread from person to person. If an outbreak occurred and a large number of people were exposed to the bacteria, the US would give antibiotics and vaccines to everyone who was exposed.