Swanspirit
October 12th, 2001, 02:27 PM
Because knowledge combats fear even when we have reason for concern...........
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anthrax?
Why has anthrax become a current issue?
How common is anthrax and who can get it?
How is anthrax transmitted?
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Where is anthrax usually found?
Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?
Is there a way to prevent infection?
What is the anthrax vaccine?
Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?
What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination?
Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine?
How is anthrax diagnosed?
Is there a treatment for anthrax?
Where can I get more information about a recent Department of
Defense decision to require men and women in the Armed Services
to be vaccinated against anthrax?
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming
bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and
domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and
other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to
infected animals or tissue from infected animals.
Why has anthrax become a current issue?
Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological
warfare, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory
vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in
conflict.
How common is anthrax and who can get it?
Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals.
These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe,
Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When anthrax affects
humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or
their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal
products from other countries where anthrax is more common may become
infected with B. anthracis (industrial anthrax). Anthrax in wild livestock has
occurred in the United States.
How is anthrax transmitted?
Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and
gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and
humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from
infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal
products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from
infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted,
but symptoms usually occur within 7 days.
Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur when the
bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling
contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of
infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles
an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless
ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic
(dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell.
About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death.
Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several
days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock.
Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the
consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute
inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite,
vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and
severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.
Where is anthrax usually found?
Anthrax can be found globally. It is more common in developing countries
or countries without veterinary public health programs. Certain regions of
the world (South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia,
Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) report more anthrax in animals
than others.
Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur.
Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with
inhalational anthrax.
Is there a way to prevent infection?
In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal
herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal
products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and
cooked. Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The
vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against anthrax.
What is the anthrax vaccine?
The anthrax vaccine is manufactured and distributed by BioPort,
Corporation, Lansing, Michigan. The vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine,
which means it contains no dead or live bacteria in the preparation. The
final product contains no more than 2.4 mg of aluminum hydroxide as
adjuvant. Anthrax vaccines intended for animals should not be used in
humans.
Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommend
anthrax vaccination for the following groups:
Persons who work directly with the organism in the laboratory
Persons who work with imported animal hides or furs in areas where
standards are insufficient to prevent exposure to anthrax spores.
Persons who handle potentially infected animal products in
high-incidence areas. (Incidence is low in the United States, but
veterinarians who travel to work in other countries where incidence
is higher should consider being vaccinated.)
Military personnel deployed to areas with high risk for exposure to
the organism (as when it is used as a biological warfare weapon).
The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army
Surgeon General's Office can be reached at
1-877-GETVACC (1-877-438-8222).
http://www.anthrax.osd.mil
Pregnant women should be vaccinated only if absolutely
necessary.
What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination?
The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given 2 weeks
apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12,
and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are recommended
thereafter.
Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine?
Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight
tenderness and redness at the injection site. Severe local reactions are
infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in addition to the
local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients.
How is anthrax diagnosed?
Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions,
or respiratory secretions or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of
persons with suspected cases.
Is there a treatment for anthrax?
Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. To be effective, treatment
should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Where can I get more information about the recent Department of
Defense decision to require men and women in
the Armed Services to be vaccinated against anthrax?
The Department of Defense recommends that servicemen and women
contact their chain of command on questions about the vaccine and its
distribution. The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army
Surgeon General's Office can be reached at 1-877-GETVACC
(1-877-438-8222). http://www.anthrax.osd.mil
the link for further info......
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm
Love and Light amid the Shadows......
Swannie
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anthrax?
Why has anthrax become a current issue?
How common is anthrax and who can get it?
How is anthrax transmitted?
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Where is anthrax usually found?
Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?
Is there a way to prevent infection?
What is the anthrax vaccine?
Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?
What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination?
Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine?
How is anthrax diagnosed?
Is there a treatment for anthrax?
Where can I get more information about a recent Department of
Defense decision to require men and women in the Armed Services
to be vaccinated against anthrax?
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming
bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and
domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and
other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to
infected animals or tissue from infected animals.
Why has anthrax become a current issue?
Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological
warfare, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory
vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in
conflict.
How common is anthrax and who can get it?
Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals.
These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe,
Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When anthrax affects
humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or
their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal
products from other countries where anthrax is more common may become
infected with B. anthracis (industrial anthrax). Anthrax in wild livestock has
occurred in the United States.
How is anthrax transmitted?
Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and
gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and
humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from
infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal
products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from
infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted,
but symptoms usually occur within 7 days.
Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur when the
bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling
contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of
infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles
an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless
ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic
(dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell.
About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death.
Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several
days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock.
Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the
consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute
inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite,
vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and
severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.
Where is anthrax usually found?
Anthrax can be found globally. It is more common in developing countries
or countries without veterinary public health programs. Certain regions of
the world (South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia,
Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) report more anthrax in animals
than others.
Can anthrax be spread from person-to-person?
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur.
Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with
inhalational anthrax.
Is there a way to prevent infection?
In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal
herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal
products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and
cooked. Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The
vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against anthrax.
What is the anthrax vaccine?
The anthrax vaccine is manufactured and distributed by BioPort,
Corporation, Lansing, Michigan. The vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine,
which means it contains no dead or live bacteria in the preparation. The
final product contains no more than 2.4 mg of aluminum hydroxide as
adjuvant. Anthrax vaccines intended for animals should not be used in
humans.
Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommend
anthrax vaccination for the following groups:
Persons who work directly with the organism in the laboratory
Persons who work with imported animal hides or furs in areas where
standards are insufficient to prevent exposure to anthrax spores.
Persons who handle potentially infected animal products in
high-incidence areas. (Incidence is low in the United States, but
veterinarians who travel to work in other countries where incidence
is higher should consider being vaccinated.)
Military personnel deployed to areas with high risk for exposure to
the organism (as when it is used as a biological warfare weapon).
The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army
Surgeon General's Office can be reached at
1-877-GETVACC (1-877-438-8222).
http://www.anthrax.osd.mil
Pregnant women should be vaccinated only if absolutely
necessary.
What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination?
The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given 2 weeks
apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12,
and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are recommended
thereafter.
Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine?
Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight
tenderness and redness at the injection site. Severe local reactions are
infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in addition to the
local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients.
How is anthrax diagnosed?
Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions,
or respiratory secretions or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of
persons with suspected cases.
Is there a treatment for anthrax?
Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. To be effective, treatment
should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Where can I get more information about the recent Department of
Defense decision to require men and women in
the Armed Services to be vaccinated against anthrax?
The Department of Defense recommends that servicemen and women
contact their chain of command on questions about the vaccine and its
distribution. The anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army
Surgeon General's Office can be reached at 1-877-GETVACC
(1-877-438-8222). http://www.anthrax.osd.mil
the link for further info......
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm
Love and Light amid the Shadows......
Swannie