Anthrax the virus

Possible signs of an anthrax attack. Anthrax is a Tier 1 biological agent A subset of select agents and toxins have been designated as Tier 1 because these biological agents and toxins present the greatest risk of deliberate misuse with significant potential for mass casualties or devastating effect to the economy, critical infrastructure, or public confidence, and pose a severe threat to public health and safety.

Additional Information. The History of Bioterrorism: Anthrax. Killer Strain: Anthrax. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Cancel Continue. One of the few known instances of nonanimal transmission was a bioterrorism attack that occurred in the United States in Twenty-two people developed anthrax after being exposed to spores sent through the mail, and five of those infected died. More recently, in two separate outbreaks, heroin users in Europe contracted anthrax through injecting illegal drugs.

A total of 40 people died. Heroin sold in Europe likely comes from areas where naturally occurring anthrax is more common.

To contract anthrax, you must come in direct contact with anthrax spores. This is more likely if you:. To prevent infection after being exposed to anthrax spores, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:. An anthrax vaccine is available for certain groups of people. The vaccine doesn't contain live bacteria and can't lead to infection. However, the vaccine can cause side effects, ranging from soreness at the injection site to more-serious allergic reactions.

The vaccine isn't intended for the general public. Instead, it's reserved for military personnel, scientists working with anthrax and people in other high-risk professions.

If you live or travel in a country where anthrax is common and herd animals aren't routinely vaccinated, avoid contact with livestock and animal skins as much as possible. Also avoid eating meat that hasn't been properly cooked. Even in developed countries, it's important to handle any dead animal with care and to take precautions when working with or processing imported hides, fur or wool.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. There is a vaccine to prevent anthrax, but it is not typically available for the general public.

Anyone who is at increased risk of being exposed to anthrax, including certain U. There is a vaccine licensed to prevent anthrax, but it is not typically available for the general public. Below is more information about who should and should not get an anthrax vaccine. CDC recommends anthrax vaccination for three groups of adults 18 through 65 years old who may be at risk of coming in contact with anthrax because of their job:.

CDC also recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to anthrax in certain situations, such as after a bioterrorism attack involving anthrax. Anthrax vaccination may be recommended for pregnant women who have been exposed to anthrax. However, when risk to anthrax exposure is low, pregnant women are not recommended to get the vaccine. Because of age or health conditions, some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them. Because its use in exposed children is not approved by FDA, it must be used under an expanded access Investigational New Drug IND program and requires informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone anthrax vaccination to a future visit. People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting anthrax vaccine. If you are receiving the vaccine because you have been exposed to anthrax, tell your health care provider if you are not feeling well. You might need immediate medical care.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears. As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness , call and get the person to the nearest hospital. Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself.

The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program is a federal program that may help pay for costs of medical care and other specific expenses of certain people who have been seriously injured by certain medicines or vaccines. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Anthrax VIS.