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Q&A: The anthrax bacteria

Associated Press

How do people get anthrax?

About 95 percent of all cases worldwide result from skin contact — bacterial spores that land on a scratch or other broken skin. It can also cause infection if breathed into the lungs or eaten, but these are much less common.

Does the same germ cause all forms of anthrax?

Yes.

Is it contagious?

No. Infected people do not spread the bacteria to others.

How is it treated?

A variety of antibiotics are extremely effective for skin anthrax. Among them are doxycycline, penicillin and Cipro.

Should I take antibiotics now, just in case I might encounter the germ?

No, people should not take antibiotics unless they have reason to think they were exposed to the bacteria. The treatments can cause side effects and should not be used inappropriately.

Should I keep a supply of antibiotics at home?

Health experts recommend not, since plenty of medicine is available if needed.

Who usually gets skin anthrax?

The disease is uncommon, but it is mainly among ranchers, veterinarians and others exposed to infected animal skins.

What are the symptoms?

It starts with a painless blister that is red around the edges. A day or two later, this becomes a black open sore, which dries up to leave a black scab, which falls off after a week or two.

What happens if I don't get treated?

Usually, the sore clears up on its own. About 5 percent of cases become highly lethal bloodstream infections.

How long has anthrax been around?

Anthrax is thought to have been one of the Egyptian plagues at the time of Moses. The ancient Romans recorded cases.

How does it get its name?

It comes from the Greek word for coal. It's called this because of the black scab it leaves on the skin.