Is Anthrax Dangerous for Life?
GBS - Anthrax is a disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium can infect animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and humans. Anthrax has three main forms, namely cutaneous (skin), inhalational (breathing), and gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal tract).
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The inhalational form of anthrax occurs when a person inhales spores of the anthrax bacteria. The initial symptoms are similar to those of the flu, such as fever, cough, headache and fatigue. However, the condition can become serious and cause breathing difficulties, shock, and even death.
The gastrointestinal form of anthrax occurs when a person eats meat contaminated with anthrax spores. Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and bloody diarrhea. This condition can also develop into severe and life-threatening.
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and penicillin. Treatment given must be done immediately after contact with anthrax bacteria in order to stop the development of infection.
Prevention of anthrax involves vaccination of livestock and hygiene measures in the management of animal products. For high-risk individuals, such as laboratory workers or healthcare workers who come into contact with anthrax specimens or cases, vaccination may be recommended.
It is important to remember that anthrax is not passed from person to person. Transmission occurs through contact with anthrax spores present in the environment, such as contaminated soil or animal products. Therefore, proper precautions are very important in avoiding anthrax infection.