Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. While most commonly associated with livestock and other animals, it can also infect humans who come in contact with infected animal products or spores of the bacterium. Anthrax has a long history as a biological weapon, but its potential to cause large-scale fatalities has been significantly reduced since World War II due to advances in medical science and public health measures.
The bacterium B. anthracis produces three types of toxins that cause anthrax symptoms: edema toxin (ET), lethal factor (LF) and protective antigen (PA). The toxins are produced within the body after initial infection occurs through ingestion or inhalation of spores from contaminated sources such as soil, food or water containing animal carcasses. Ingestion leads to gastroenteritis while inhalation causes pulmonary disease leading to coughing, fever and difficulty breathing. Cutaneous infection may occur when B. anthracis spores enter through broken skin creating redness around a wound followed by blisters filled with pus which eventually form black scabs on the skin surface; this type of infection is often fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Infection generally requires treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin or penicillin G benzathine for up two weeks depending on severity however prophylaxis vaccines are available for those at high risk of exposure – military personnel including reservists and laboratory staff working routinely with Bacterium species known to produce PA toxin – which provide protection against cutaneous infections lasting up four years after administration of all doses according to recommendations from Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC). Vaccines have proven effective in preventing death when used properly prior to exposure so it is important that those at risk receive prophylactic immunization before entering into areas where they could be exposed..
To prevent further spread individuals should seek medical attention immediately upon showing signs or symptoms consistent with possible anthrax infection as well as avoid handling dead animals found outdoors especially near sites suspected having been subject biological warfare attack; furthermore good hygiene practices should be observed like washing hands regularly using soap warm water particularly before eating any food consumption preparing meals . Public health monitoring systems must remain vigilant identify cases early order reduce number people affected ensure proper treatments administered time limit damage done each case .