Yes, anthrax is still around today. Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, and it primarily affects animals, although it can also infect humans. It is most commonly found in wild and domestic animals in Asia, Africa, and South America, and it is estimated that 500 to 1,000 cases of anthrax occur in animals each year. In humans, anthrax usually occurs when people come into contact with infected animals or animal products, such as hides, hair, or wool.
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics, but if not treated quickly and properly, it can be deadly. In humans, inhalation anthrax is the most serious form of the disease and can lead to severe respiratory problems, including difficulty breathing and shock. It is estimated that around 95 percent of untreated cases of inhalation anthrax are fatal.
Despite its prevalence in animals, anthrax is a rare disease in humans. Since the 1950s, the global incidence of anthrax in humans has decreased significantly, with only a few hundred cases reported each year. In the United States, the last reported case of anthrax in humans was in 2015.
In recent years, concerns have been raised about the potential use of anthrax in bioterrorism. The bacterium is highly stable and can survive long periods in the environment, making it an ideal agent for bioterrorism. As a result, anthrax has been the subject of numerous research studies to better understand its transmission and effects.
In summary, anthrax is still around today and it primarily affects animals. It can also infect humans, but it is a rare disease in humans. There are concerns about its potential use in bioterrorism, and research is being conducted to better understand its transmission and effects.