Anthrax

Question 1

What is the cause of Anthrax?

Answer 1

Anthrax is a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by Gram Positive, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus Anthracis.

Question 2

What is the incubation period for Anthrax?

Answer 2

Symptoms develop within 2 days after exposure for inhalation anthrax and 1-7 days with cutaneous anthrax.

Question 3

Describe spores of Bacillus Anthracis

Answer 3

Spores of Bacillus Anthracis is very resistant to damage and can remain dormant in the soil for decades.

Question 4

How is Anthrax transmitted?

Can Anthrax be transmitted from person-to-person?

Answer 4

Anthrax is transmitted via direct contact with the skins or tissues of infected animals (Cutaneous Anthrax)
Or by breathing in Anthrax spores (Inhalation Anthrax)

Person-to-person transmission is very rare. Airborne transmission does not occur and skin infection from direct contact with anthrax lesions is uncommon.

Question 5

What are the 4 types of Anthrax infection?

Answer 5

Cutaneous Anthrax
Inhalation Anthrax
Intestinal Anthrax
Injection Anthrax