Anthrax Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is housed in a hardy spore. The disease usually affects livestock, but as the world has become fully aware it also infects humans. A naturally occurring disease known since biblical times, anthrax has recently become a biological weapon of concern. There are three forms of anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax, intestinal anthrax and inhalation anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax You can contract anthrax by contact …
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showed last 75 words of 412 total
…anthrax can be fatal, but with antibiotic treatment, it rarely is. Inhalation anthrax This most deadly form of the disease occurs when you inhale enough anthrax spores to infect the lungs. Once the infection has spread, inhalation anthrax is fatal in about 90% of cases. Fortunately, all three forms can be prevented or treated with antibiotics. However, to be most effective, treatment must begin early. An anthrax vaccine exists, but unlike antibiotics is in short supply.