Anthrax

What is Anthrax?

Anthrax is an infectious disease that affects animals such as sheeps, goats, and horses. Exposure to the spores of a type of bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis can transmit the disease to humans. This generally happens by contact with infected animals or animal products.

Anthrax has been written about in early Greek, Roman, and Hindu literature. Anthrax has also been in the news because of its ability to be used as a form of biological warfare. While an anthrax infection can affects humans, it cannot spread from person to person i.e. is not contagious. Anthrax can affect adults and children. Mild cases will respond to treatment but more severe infections can prove lethal.

Alternative Names: Woolsorter's disease; Ragpicker's disease; Cutaneous anthrax; gastrointestinal anthrax.

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