Information on
Anthrax
The following information about anthrax is provided to assist those
who want or need to know more about this disease.
Since the terrorist attacks in the United States on
11 September 2001, public concern regarding the potential for biological attacks
has heightened. It is understandable that recent international events will
generate significant public concern about anthrax and other potential biological
and chemical hazards.
Background
Anthrax is a disease normally associated with plant-eating animals
(sheep, goats, cattle, and to a lesser extent, swine). It is caused by the
bacteria Bacillis anthracis and has been recognised as an illness for centuries.
Once common where livestock were raised, it is now controlled through animal
vaccination programs. Anthrax occurs mainly in countries where animals are not
vaccinated. In many countries (such as Australia) it occurs infrequently,
due to effective compulsory control measures. The form of the disease that
health authorities are concerned that a bioterrorist attack might produce, is
inhalation anthrax.
How anthrax is
spread?
Human infection with anthrax usually results from direct contact with
infected animals, or animal products such as wool, meat or hides. The spores can
survive for long periods of time in certain soils, in animal products such as
hair, hides and wool, and in feeds and fertilisers prepared from animals that
died of anthrax.
Inhalation anthrax occurs when a person breathes in anthrax spores.
As early as a day or two after exposure the spores begin to grow rapidly and the
victim develops symptoms of the disease. There is no evidence of spread of the
infection from person to person.
What are the
symptoms of anthrax?
In humans, the disease occurs in two major forms. When infection
takes place through the skin, sores (papules) develop within one to three days.
These begin as small red swellings, which later develop into black
depressions.
Inhalation of infective material causes pulmonary anthrax with
flu-like symptoms. About 1-6 days after inhaling anthrax spores there would be a
gradual onset of vague symptoms of illness such as fatigue, fever, mild
discomfort in the chest and possibly a dry cough.
The symptoms would improve for a few hours or two to three days.
Following that, there would be a sudden onset of difficulty in breathing,
profuse sweating, cyanosis (blue coloured skin and lips) and shock. Infection
acquired by inhalation can be fatal. With effective antibiotic treatment, few
deaths occur.
How is anthrax
diagnosed?
Blood tests are used to confirm the disease in people who have
symptoms. Routine testing for people who may be concerned about the disease but
who have no symptoms is currently not available.
Testing of
environmental samples
Results of testing of samples taken from suspected materials take at
least two days for confirmation.
Antibiotic
treatment
Suspected human cases of anthrax can be treated effectively with
appropriate antibiotics. Likewise, people who may have been exposed to anthrax
are treated with antibiotics at the earliest possible stage to prevent the onset
of symptoms and disease.
Anthrax
vaccine
The USA
manufactures a vaccine for anthrax, but this is not registered in
Australia, as the vaccine is only
recommended for those at high risk of exposure.
How is
Australia preparing for a deliberate
release of anthrax?
The Australian health system's level of preparedness for a biological
attack has been greatly increased over the past five to 10 years and was
particularly increased in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic
Games.
Preparation measures include:
- Training within health departments and with other
agencies
- Putting in place medical treatment protocols suitable for a civilian
population
- Ensuring the availability of appropriate pharmaceutical
supplies
- Increasing diagnostic and health surveillance
capability
- Development effective coordination and advisory
arrangements
- Ensuring access to international developments.
Suspected Anthrax is a notifiable
disease.
For further information on the health aspects contact your GP or the
Public and Environmental Health Service, Department of Health and Human
Services, telephone 1800 671 738.
For further online
information on Anthrax please visit the following web sites external to the DHHS
Tasmania
site: