Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and can be naturally found in the soil in many parts of the world including some areas of the U.S. Outbreaks are most commonly recognized in livestock, although other domestic animals and wildlife may be involved.
Farmers, veterinarians, and persons in direct contact with potentially infected livestock or their products are at greatest risk for exposure.
Symptoms
The four clinical presentations of anthrax are cutaneous or skin infection (from direct contact with infected materials), injection (from injection of heroin or other illegal drugs – never reported in the U.S.), respiratory (from breathing in spores), and intestinal (from eating infected meat). Cutaneous or skin infections are most common, and most people recover rapidly with treatment.
The other types of anthrax infections are much more serious but rare.
Testing and Treatment
The type of illness a person develops depends on how anthrax enters the body: through the skin, lungs, or gastrointestinal system.
All types of anthrax can cause death if they’re not treated with antibiotics.
Information for Health Care Providers
Disease Reporting Requirement
All practitioners, health care facilities, and laboratories in Florida are required to notify the Florida Department of Health of diseases or conditions of public health significance under section 381.0031, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code.