Why do we hear about anthrax in the news?

Anthrax- is a scary word due to its association with the threat of biological warfare. And not just in the plot of an apocalyptic movie.

In 2001, anthrax spores were used to contaminate U.S. mail, killing 5 people who were exposed. But the disease anthrax, caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, is rare and not uniformly fatal.

When I attended medical school, we learned it was “woolsorter’s disease” since the spores can be released from processing wool or animal hides. The bacteria live in soil, so are spread wherever soil goes.

Most humans who get infected develop skin lesions, the cutaneous form of anthrax and the most common. Breathing or eating the spores however, can lead to inhalation or gastrointestinal anthrax which are life-threatening.

Fortunately, antibiotics are effective against anthrax . There is also a vaccine that currently is only used in situations of possible exposure such as military service or work in a research lab.

Anthrax – Bacterial Infections – Merck Manual Consumer Version.

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