Cutaneous Anthrax: Frequently Asked Questions

CDC made treatment recommendations for cases of inhalation and cutaneous anthrax associated with the bioterrorism attack of 2001. These recommendations can be found in the MMWR, 10/26/2001; 50(42), 909-919 .

Treatment protocols for cases of inhalational and cutaneous anthrax associated with this bioterrorist attack are found in the MMWR, ; 50(42), 909-919. ()

Not very, if treated promptly. Anthrax can enter the skin through a cut or abrasion, but it rarely enters the bloodstream through this route. After infection, the area swells up, may get blisters, and turns into a dark brown or black scab, which falls off in one to two weeks. This form of anthrax has been common in animal handlers in less developed areas of the world. Although skin anthrax can sometimes clear up without treatment, antibiotics are highly effective and easily available. ...

Not very, if treated promptly. Anthrax can enter the skin through a cut or abrasion, but it rarely enters the bloodstream through this route. After infection, the area swells up, may get blisters, and turns into a dark brown or black scab, which falls off in one to two weeks. This form of anthrax has been common in animal handlers in less developed areas of the world. Although skin anthrax can sometimes clear up without treatment, antibiotics are highly effective and easily available. ...

CDC made treatment recommendations for cases of inhalational and cutaneous anthrax associated with the bioterrorism attack of 2001. These recommendations can be found in the MMWR, 10/26/2001; 50(42), 909-919.

Treatment protocols for cases of inhalational and cutaneous anthrax associated with this bioterrorist attack are found in the MMWR, 10/26/2001; 50(42), 909-919 .

The last case of cutaneous anthrax, before 2001, occurred in North Dakota, in 2000. It was the only case since 1992. To find out more about this case, read the following article: ※Human Anthrax Associated With an Epizootic Among Livestock〞North Dakota, 2000§ (MMWR 2000; 5[32]:677; Available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5032a1.htm

A proforma to help assess patients with suspicious illnesses is available in the document: A Guide for Health Professionals (PDF, 648 KB) Version 4, 19 November 2007 An algorithm for the clincal evaluation and management of people with possible cutaneous anthrax can be found [ link: here ] .

Cutaneous: no. That usually comes from contact with infected animals. It could come from direct contact with anthrax spores; if skin has a cut or abrasion, entry would be easier. Gastrointestinal anthrax comes from eating undercooked meat contaminated with anthrax, from game usually. Gastrointestinal anthrax is very rare. A few small outbreaks have been reported in Asia and Africa since 1980.