What you need to know about . . . Anthrax and Bioterrorism

What is anthrax? In the United States in 2001 and 2002, Anthrax is a serious disease caused by a anthrax spores were mailed through the U.S. bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which can Postal Service system, causing 18 confirmed be found naturally in certain types of soil. cases of both inhalation and cutaneous Spores of the anthrax bacterium may remain anthrax. Five people with inhalation anthrax in nature for many years. Anthrax most died, none of the cutaneous cases resulted in commonly occurs in warm-blooded animals death. In other instances, threats of anthrax but also can occur in people. have been hoaxes.

Contact local law enforcement officials How do you get it? immediately if you think that you may B. anthracis is not known to spread from have been exposed to anthrax organisms, one person to another. People usually get including any suspicious package or naturally occurring skin or cutaneous envelope that contains powder. Directions anthrax by handling infected animals for safe handling of suspicious mail or or their products, especially hides, hair, packages in the workplace are found at wool, bones or bone products. People www.dshs.state.tx.us/bioterrorism/facts/ also may be infected with inhalation Mailthreat.htm. anthrax by breathing in anthrax spores, or get gastrointestinal anthrax by eating What are the symptoms? undercooked meat from infected animals. Symptoms of anthrax vary depending on how the person became infected but usually Can anthrax be used as a bioterrorism occur within seven days of exposure. threat? • Skin or cutaneous. First symptom is a Several terrorist groups and some nations small sore that forms a blister. The blister are believed to have or are experimenting then turns into a skin ulcer with a black with biological weapons programs. Anthrax area in the center. The sore, blister and is considered a potential threat as a ulcer do not hurt. Infection may spread to biological weapon because B. anthracis forms the bloodstream. spores easily and can be produced in a dry form that can be spread through the air or • Inhalation. Cold- and flu-like symptoms as a powder. Since the spores last for years, such as sore throat, mild fever and they can remain in soil and other materials muscle aches are first. Later symptoms long after the initial release. Spores are include cough, chest discomfort, odorless, colorless and tasteless. shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle

Fact Sheet Series aches. Symptoms may appear within a What should I do if I think I have week or can take up to 60 days to appear. anthrax? Inhalation anthrax may cause a severe If you are showing symptoms of anthrax form of meningitis, chest infection, shock infection, call your health-care provider right and death. away. If you think you have been exposed to • Gastrointestinal. First symptoms are anthrax, a suspicious package or envelope nausea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea that contains powder, contact local law and fever followed by bad stomach pain. enforcement immediately. Everyone who had any contact with a suspicious letter, package How is anthrax treated? or powder must wash their hands with soap All three types of anthrax can be prevented and water. with the use of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline or penicillin. What is the public health system Early treatment is necessary, as a delay in doing about the possibility of an treatment lowers a person’s chances for outbreak? survival. These antibiotics must be taken Local, state and federal public health according to directions for as many days agencies are actively working with local as directed, generally up to 60 days. All the health care providers, hospitals, emergency medication must be taken. response teams, laboratories, veterinarians and others to prepare for large outbreaks Would enough medication and biological disasters of all types, be available in the event of a including anthrax. If bioterrorism is bioterrorism attack? suspected, the Department of State Health Public health officials have large supplies Services notifies the CDC, FBI and other of drugs, including any antibiotics needed appropriate authorities. in the event of a bioterrorism attack. These supplies can be sent anywhere in the United Where can I get more information? States within 12 hours. Contact your local health department. Additional information on anthrax and Can anthrax be prevented? bioterrorism can be found on the Department Vaccination to prevent anthrax is not of State Health Services Web site and the available or recommended for the general CDC web site. public. Antibiotics combined with the anthrax vaccine are used for a person exposed to B. anthracis but not yet sick.

Department of State Health Services • 1100 W. 49th St. • Austin, Texas 78756 • 512-458-7400 • Toll Free 1-888-963-7111 • TDD 512-458-7708

Publication #19-12065