Anthrax is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. It mainly affects animals, but it can also cause severe illness in humans who are exposed to the spores of the bacterium.
When anthrax spores enter the body, they can cause an infection that can lead to life-threatening illnesses. In humans, anthrax can manifest as three different types of illness: cutaneous (skin), gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines), and inhalation (lungs).
The most common form of anthrax in humans is cutaneous anthrax, which is caused by the bacterium entering the skin through a cut or scratch. Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax include a raised, itchy bump that resembles an insect bite, which then develops into a blister filled with pus. The blister then turns into an ulcer with a black center, which is caused by the death of tissue. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes, resulting in a severe and potentially fatal illness.
Gastrointestinal anthrax is a less common form of the disease that is contracted by eating contaminated meat. Symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. This form of anthrax can be fatal if not treated promptly.
The most severe form of anthrax is inhalation anthrax, which is caused by inhaling the anthrax spores. Symptoms of inhalation anthrax include fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a cough. This form of anthrax is very serious and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to anthrax, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for anthrax typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin or doxycycline, to help fight the infection. In cases of inhalation anthrax, patients may also be treated with a vaccine to help prevent the development of the illness.