How is anthrax caused

Anthrax most commonly occurs in animals such as pigs, cattle, horses, and goats, but it can also infect people. Infections in people are caused by contact with the spores through a cut or scratch in the skin known as cutaneous anthrax , by inhaling the spores known as inhaled or pulmonary anthrax , or by eating meat that contains the spores known as intestinal anthrax.

In biological warfare, anthrax can be transmitted intentionally through the air or by contact with an object that has the bacteria on it. Anthrax cannot be passed from one person to another i. Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax appear almost immediately, up to one day after infection, whereas pulmonary anthrax symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 days after infection, but may take 6 weeks or longer to show up.

Symptoms of intestinal anthrax appear in about 1 to 7 days. It is very rare that people get anthrax infection through natural causes. However, anthrax can be produced in laboratories and may be used as an agent of biological warfare. Anthrax is used in this manner because of the serious disease that results when the anthrax spores are inhaled.

Inhaled anthrax often causes death if it's not treated in the early stages, which is why it is very important to recognize the symptoms of this infection see "Symptoms and Complications". The most common type of anthrax infection is cutaneous on the skin anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax infection may take place when someone handles animals or animal products wool or other woven materials that are contaminated with anthrax, or if someone handles materials that have been intentionally contaminated with anthrax.

It is quite rare for meat to be contaminated with the bacteria that causes anthrax in North America. Therefore, intestinal anthrax is very rare on this continent. Inhaled anthrax is by far the most dangerous form of this infection, but also the rarest. It causes symptoms that start out like the flu. These symptoms include fever, chest discomfort, malaise, tiredness, and dry cough.

The signs of illness appear as early as 48 hours after the spores of the bacteria have been inhaled, but the spores may be dormant in the body for up to 6 weeks before symptoms appear. If the symptoms are not treated quickly, the infection can rapidly turn into a severe infection similar to pneumonia inflammation of the lungs. Shortness of breath, high fever, fast heart rate, and heavy sweating then develop.

Meningitis swelling of the brain and pain in the abdomen follow. Few survive more than a few days beyond the development of these types of symptoms. Fortunately, early treatment decreases the risk of death. Cutaneous anthrax is much less dangerous than the inhaled form of anthrax.

This can happen when people breathe in spores, eat food or drink water that is 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. Domestic and wild animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and deer can become infected when they breathe in or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water.

In areas where domestic animals have had anthrax in the past, routine vaccination can help prevent outbreaks. Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, central and southwestern Asia, southern and eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Anthrax is rare in the United States, but sporadic outbreaks do occur in wild and domestic grazing animals such as cattle or deer.

Anthrax is more common in developing countries and countries that do not have veterinary public health programs that routinely vaccinate animals against anthrax. In the United States, yearly vaccination of livestock is recommended in areas where animals have had anthrax in the past.

The document is available for download in multiple languages below. It's contracted through injecting illegal drugs.

Many common illnesses start with symptoms that resemble the flu. The chances that your sore throat and aching muscles are due to anthrax are extremely small. If you think you may have been exposed — for example, if you work in an environment where anthrax is likely to occur — see a doctor immediately for evaluation and care.

If you develop signs and symptoms of the disorder after exposure to animals or animal products in parts of the world where anthrax is common, seek prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Anthrax spores are formed by anthrax bacteria that occur naturally in soil in most parts of the world. The spores can remain dormant for years until they find their way into a host. Common hosts for anthrax include wild or domestic livestock, such as sheep, cattle, horses and goats.

Most human cases of anthrax occur as a result of exposure to infected animals or their meat or hides. In the United States, a few people have developed anthrax while making traditional African drums from the skins of infected animals. One of the few known instances of nonanimal transmission was a bioterrorism attack that occurred in the United States in Twenty-two people developed anthrax after being exposed to spores sent through the mail, and five of those infected died.

More recently, in two separate outbreaks, heroin users in Europe contracted anthrax through injecting illegal drugs. A total of 40 people died. Heroin sold in Europe likely comes from areas where naturally occurring anthrax is more common. To contract anthrax, you must come in direct contact with anthrax spores. This is more likely if you:.

To prevent infection after being exposed to anthrax spores, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:. An anthrax vaccine is available for certain groups of people.

The vaccine doesn't contain live bacteria and can't lead to infection. However, the vaccine can cause side effects, ranging from soreness at the injection site to more-serious allergic reactions. The vaccine isn't intended for the general public. Instead, it's reserved for military personnel, scientists working with anthrax and people in other high-risk professions.

If you live or travel in a country where anthrax is common and herd animals aren't routinely vaccinated, avoid contact with livestock and animal skins as much as possible.

Also avoid eating meat that hasn't been properly cooked. Even in developed countries, it's important to handle any dead animal with care and to take precautions when working with or processing imported hides, fur or wool. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.