Among different bio-terrorist agents, Anthrax bacillus is considered the most likely pathogen to be used. So, what does anthrax look like? It can be quickly and inexpensively mass-produced. It is also odorless and colorless, so there is no immediate indication one is inhaling the airborne pathogen. By the time symptoms appear, the terrorist is long gone and you will not know what happened. What does anthrax look like is very important to know for reasons such as those.
50 per cent of anthrax cases have associated hemorrhagic meningitis. Death typically occurs 24-36 hours later.
Anthrax is not transmitted from one person to another through airway secretions, bodily fluids or intestinal content. Contact is required, such as wool coat, shaving brush, or yarn that are commonly originated from Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Anthrax does not penetrate thru intact skin. It produces spores that are resistant to heat and disinfectant. In a developed country, anthrax is likely to be agriculturally acquired or through the laboratory. Agriculture cases commonly is associated with contact with diseased animal: cattle, swine, or horses.
So, what does anthrax look like and how can it be prevented? A myriad of disease, from cancer to hormonal dysfunction, can now be traced to immune system breakdown. A strong defense is the best offense. In the case of Anthrax, this cannot be truer. Those living in metropolitan areas are exposed to a variety of toxins from pollution. The immune system is often compromised. Since there is no way to know where the bio-terrorist attack may occur, the best prevention is to have a strong body with health immune system.
To prevent inhalation of spores during a known attack, wear a surgical mask that is filtered to take out organisms of 0.1 micron. Seal the edges with any tape to tighten the seal. Change masks often. Masks that have been exposed to anthrax spores in contaminated areas should be burned. Do note that anthrax is not transmitted by the respiratory route from person to person. If you find yourself in an anthrax exposed area, a mask may be better than nothing.Definitive diagnosis is through positive blood test or cerebral Spinal Fluid
For adults, the CDC-recommended doses are 500 milligrams of Cipro twice a day for 60 days; or 100 mg of doxycycline twice a day for 60 days; or 500 mg of amoxicillin three times a day for 60 days.
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores), but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from infected animals.
Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in conflict.
In its most destructive form - an aerosol sprayed into the air - it is invisible and odorless. Anthrax spores can only be seen through a microscope that magnifies 50 to 100 times.
No.
Probably not. The spores tend to clump together, so even if inhaled, they do not get deep into the lungs.
Roughly 10,000 spores.
Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals. These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products from other countries where anthrax is more common may become infected with B. anthracis (industrial anthrax). Anthrax in wild livestock has occurred in the United States.
Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.
Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7 days. What does anthrax look like and how does it relate to Adrenal Fatigue? Anthrax symptoms can look similar to those of Adrenal Fatigue. This is why it is always important to consult your primary care provider.
Anthrax can be found globally. It is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary public health programs. Certain regions of the world (South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) report more anthrax in animals than others.
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur. Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with inhalational anthrax.
In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked. Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. Being able to answer the question, "what does anthrax look like," is also important. Knowing this can help prevent infection. The vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against anthrax.
The anthrax vaccine is manufactured and distributed by BioPort, Corporation, Lansing, Michigan. The vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, which means it contains no dead or live bacteria in the preparation. The final product contains no more than 2.4 mg of aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant. Anthrax vaccines intended for animals should not be used in humans.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommend anthrax vaccination for the following groups:
Prepare yourself by being able to answer, "what does anthrax look like," as well as for the vaccination. The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given 2 weeks apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are recommended thereafter.
Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight tenderness and redness at the injection site. Severe local reactions are infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in addition to the local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients. Knowing what does anthrax look like can help prevent the need for vaccination and the resulting possible side effects.
Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of persons with suspected cases.
It can be treated with antibiotics, such as Cipro or doxycycline, if given before symptoms start. Treatment usually fails once symptoms set in, since it does no good to kill the bacteria once they make large amounts of toxin.
Anthrax bacteria live in the blood of animals. When an animal dies, the bacteria form spores, which are released.
The spores become lodged in the lungs. There, they are picked up by immune-system cells called macrophages, which carry them to the lymph nodes. On the way, the spores mature into bacteria.
The bacteria multiply in the lymph nodes and then enter the bloodstream. They produce a poison that causes the immune system to produce lethal doses of chemicals that are ordinarily useful to the body.
Typically within three days of the start of symptoms.
Usually around 10 days, but up to six weeks.
The only vaccine is in limited supply and is now only available to the military.
They can live for many years in the ground and resist drying, heat and ultraviolet light. They can be killed with a mixture of bleach and water or with vaporized formaldehyde.
Anthrax is grown and maintained in cell cultures that are kept by research labs. It is not sold or otherwise legally distributed. Theoretically, anthrax could be isolated and grown from the remains of an animal that died of anthrax or from near by soil. Several countries have produced large quantities of anthrax as weapons.
Anthrax is thought to have been one of the Egyptian plagues at the time of Moses. The ancient Romans recorded cases.
