What it is and how it spreads: Anthrax is a disease caused by bacteria, specifically Bacillus anthracis.

Bacillus anthracis can lay in a dormant, spore-like form in unfavorable conditions for decades or sometimes centuries at a time.  It’s been found on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

When dormant Anthrax spores are somehow inhaled, ingested, or otherwise absorbed into the body of the victim (such as through a cut or open sore on the skin, called cutaneous infection), it can reactivate and begin to multiply.  Note that while anthrax is spread in its spore form, it is not spread directly from an infected person/animal to another.  Anthrax is incredibly deadly in most forms to both people and other animals.

The route of infection can determine how the disease manifests.  The inhalation of anthrax, for example, is often fatal if left untreated.  Intestinal Anthrax usually results in death in 25% to 60% of cases (again, if left untreated).  Cutaneous Anthrax infection (through the skin), if left untreated, only results in death in about 20% of cases.

There are several anthrax vaccines which are effective against some forms of the disease.  Upon infection, early antibiotic treatment is crucial, as any delay will significantly lessen the chances of surviving the infection.  It is very difficult for Anthrax to spread from person to person.

In the wild, plant-eating animals will unintentionally inhale or ingest these spores when grazing, leading to infection.  Carnivores that eat infected animals can likewise become infected from spores present in the flesh of the infected, though this form if infection seems to occur significantly less often.  Anthrax is most commonly found in agricultural areas.

In civilization, Anthrax has been cultivated and used as a biological weapon by terrorists.  terrorists have been known to dispense Anthrax through aerosol cans, explosive devices, or in the form of powders tat can easily become airborne.

Featured Photo by Kat Masback

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