Anthrax

Overview

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It mainly affects livestock, and people can catch it through contact with infected animals, hides, wool or meat. It is not spread from person to person.

Symptoms

• Skin: a painless sore with a black centre, often with swelling
• Gut: fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea after eating infected meat
• Lungs: flu-like symptoms followed by severe breathing difficulty

Causes and risk factors

Risk is higher for farmers, butchers, vets and people who handle animal products, and for those who eat undercooked meat from sick animals.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by testing samples from the skin sore, blood or other fluids.

Treatment

Anthrax is treated with antibiotics. Severe forms need hospital care. Early treatment greatly improves the outcome.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you develop a black-centred skin sore or feel unwell after contact with sick animals or animal products. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty.