Yes, it is possible to survive anthrax, though the prognosis is generally poor. Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, and is most commonly contracted through contact with infected animals or through inhalation of the spores. Early recognition of the infection and prompt treatment with antibiotics are essential for survival.
For inhalation anthrax, the mortality rate can be as high as 75% if the infection is not treated quickly. However, with early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment, the mortality rate drops dramatically to around 20%. For cases of cutaneous anthrax, the mortality rate is much lower, at around 1-2% with treatment.
In recent years there have been several highly publicized cases of individuals who have survived anthrax infection. In 2001, a handful of American postal workers contracted the infection through the mail and were successfully treated with antibiotics. In 2011, a five-year-old girl in India contracted the infection and was successfully treated after a two-week course of antibiotics.
Overall, survival is possible with early diagnosis and prompt treatment, though the mortality rate remains high for untreated cases of inhalation anthrax.