What is Anthrax? According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, it is caused by Bacillus anthracis. This is a spore-forming bacterium that most commonly occurs in hoofed mammals. It can infect humans, but that is rare and usually seen in persons who have contact with dead animals or animal products such as wool, hair and hides. It is difficult to develop the spores for delivery in a bioterroism form. However, it can be and has been done.

How is someone infected? Anthrax can infect humans in three ways.

• Cutaneous anthrax infects through a break in the skin such as a cut or scrape. 
• Inhalation anthrax enters the body through the respiratory system as a person breathes.
• Gastrointestinal anthrax is ingested as a person eats or drinks.

Symptoms: Initial symptoms resemble the common cold. They can progress to breathing difficulties and shock. Cutaneous anthrax is marked by a boil-like lesion that eventually forms a boil with a black center. Initial symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax may include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, which develops into abdominal pain, vomiting blood and severe diarrhea. All forms of anthrax infection can be treated by expedient administration of antibiotics. Symptoms usually develop within 7 days of exposure, most within 48 hours. Anthrax cannot be passed from one person to the other.

Actions: If an exposure occurs, try not to disturb the area and cover the item with something like a trash can or paper, if possible. Close doors and windows and keep others away from the area. Wash hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Call 9-1-1. Make a list of all of those who were in the room or could have been exposed. Follow the directions of the emergency services personnel.