Cutaneous Anthrax
Cutaneous Anthrax
Anthrax is a disease caused by a germ found in dirt. It can easily spread in the form of spores. A spore is very small. You cannot easily see it, smell it, or taste it. It takes thousands of spores for you to become infected. These spores may grow and become harmful germs that can affect different parts of your body. You cannot spread anthrax from person to person. You can catch this disease in a few different ways. You may touch or come in contact with an animal that has the infection. If you eat meat that is not cooked the right way and the animal had the infection, you may get sick. You may also breathe in the anthrax spores. Anthrax has been used by terrorists as a weapon for warfare. This is because anthrax can: Live for a long period of time Spread spores in the air Cause serious or fatal signs in a short period of time to a lot of people
Name
Anthrax Discharge Instructions
About this topic
Anthrax is a disease caused by a germ found in dirt. It can easily spread in the form of spores. A spore is very small. You cannot easily see it, smell it, or taste it. It takes thousands of spores for you to become infected. These spores may grow and become harmful germs that can affect different parts of your body. You cannot spread anthrax from person to person. You can catch this disease in a few different ways. You may touch or come in contact with an animal that has the infection. If you eat meat that is not cooked the right way and the animal had the infection, you may get sick. You may also breathe in the anthrax spores. Anthrax has been used by terrorists as a weapon for warfare. This is because anthrax can: Live for a long period of time Spread spores in the air Cause serious or fatal signs in a short period of time to a lot of people
What drugs may be needed?
Kill the germs,Help other signs like pain, swelling, or breathing problems
What problems could happen?
Infection may spread to the bloodstream,Swelling and bleeding of the tissues around your brain and spinal cord
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of skin infections. These include boil-like skin lesions; sore on your face, arms or hands; skin ulcers with black patches; or skin color or any changes happen.,Signs of GI infections. These include throwing up blood, swelling, very bad loose stools, trouble swallowing, bloody stools, belly pain, or loss of appetite.,Signs of lung infections. These include fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, colds, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or cough.,Worsening lung infections,You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Body systems
Emergency Medicine,Infectious Disease
What are other common names?
B. anthracis Infections,Bacillus anthracis Infections,Anthrax Sepsis,Anthrax Septicemia,Black Baine,Charbon,Cutaneous Anthrax,Gastrointestinal Anthrax,GI Anthrax,Inhalational Anthrax,Malignant Edema,Malignant Pustules,Milzbrand,Pulmonary Anthrax,Ragpicker Disease,Ragpicker's Disease,Ragpickers Disease,Siberian Plague,Siberian Ulcers,Splenic Fever,Woolsorter Disease,Woolsorter's Disease,Woolsorters Disease
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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