Anthrax

[stefanies41280]

What is anthrax and how does one get it? I've been hearing all this terrible stuff about it.

[blessedtwice2001]

I believe it is either a chemical or biological warfare "weapon". There are vaccines for it, but I don't know the criteria for getting them....also, I think you can get sick fromt he vaccine.

I think perhaps people with compromised immune systems, elderly, etc. would probably be most susceptible to it being fatal. I could be wrong. I have done no research. My son lives in Florida and I think they are considering getting the vaccine. I am sure you could find info on the web since there are two confirmed cases now.

[genesis]

Anthrax, contagious disease of warm-blooded animals, including humans, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
In humans, the disease appears in both external and internal forms, with a death rate of about 20 percent. The external or cutaneous form is contracted through cuts or abrasions in the skin by those who handle infected hides and carcasses and may be self-limiting, but often disseminates into the bloodstream, with fever and prostration. It is characterized by malignant pustules on exposed skin areas. The internal type is acquired by inhaling anthrax spores, as from animal hair and wool, which invade the lungs and sometimes the intestinal tract to cause hemorrhage. It is speculated that an intestinal variety may be caused by consuming contaminated meat or milk. Workers exposed to animal products, especially wool, are protected by vaccination. Penicillin and tetracyclines are effective in treatment except in rapidly progressing cases.

"Anthrax," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 97 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1996 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

"Anthrax," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 97 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1996 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.