What is Anthrax?

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by bacteria bacillus anthrasis . This happened especially prominent in 2001, when several human cases of anthrax were associated with deliberate exposure, raising concerns about the use of bacteria as a biological weapon. This disease would create a relatively effective biological weapon, as spores can remain sleeping for many years, activate as soon as the conditions become optimal, and it is very easy to close inhalation diseases, leading to the potential for mass scattering through aircraft, explosives or random packages. It primarily affects livestock, with cases of human anthrax worsening from the exposure to infected animals. People cannot pass on the disease on themselves, so it is not contagious, but exposure to only a few spores leads to serious infection. Like other bacterial infections, this condition is treated with antibiotics.

There are three kindsY anthrax: skin, gastrointestinal and inhalation. Skin anthrax is contractual slices on the skin. It is characterized by little pain that turns into a blister with a black center. It has a relatively high level of survival, especially if it is caught early. Gastrointestinal anthrax is somewhat more serious. This is due to the use of infectious material, such as poorly cooked meat. The patient may experience nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and severe fever; The mortality rate in this form varies from 25% to 75%.

The most serious form is the inhalation anthrax caused by inhalation infectious spores that can be aroused in the soil, scraped from animal material or intentionally introduced into the environment. The mortality rate can be up to 80%, with symptoms starting as a low -step flu. Because this form is relatively rare, it can be difficult to diagnose, especially when people are terrified and overloading the clinic with normal symptoms of colds and flu.

Vaccine is available for ANtrax, although not used because the natural risk of closing the disease is relatively low. People who work extensively with animals such as veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers can decide to vaccinate, as well as some microbiologists and scientists who can be exposed to anthrase of bacillus during their work. Active military staff is also vaccinated because of its potential use as a biological agent.