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Health Commissioner Billittier
Talks About ANTHRAX
Obviously, there has been much concern recently about anthrax. Anthrax is a bacteria that is capable of forming spores (or "seeds"), which can become airborne and germinate many years later. Anthrax can infect the body through three routes: skin (cutaneous), lungs (inhalation), and stomach and intestine (gastrointestinal). Below are my thoughts and some answers to commonly asked questions about anthrax.
What are the symptoms?
- Skin: Cutaneous anthrax may occur following contact of spores through a break in the skin. The first symptoms may include a discoloration and itching where the skin has been exposed. Later, a large boil or sore appears. Eventually, a black scab covers the sore. If not treated the infection can spread to lymph nodes and the blood stream.
- Inhalation: Inhalational anthrax may occur if spores (perhaps about 8,000 - 10,000) are breathed into the lungs. First symptoms include fever, fatigue, malaise and a cough or chest pain. High fever, rapid pulse, and severe difficulty breathing follow in 2-5 days. Inhalational anthrax is often fatal, but can be successfully treated especially if antibiotics are initiated early in the course.
- Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal anthrax may occur following ingestion or eating infected, undercooked meat or other food or drink contaminated with anthrax. First symptoms include fever, abdominal (stomach) pain, loose or watery bowel movements, and vomiting of blood.
What should I do if I have been exposed to a powder or other unknown substance?
It is important to remember that the goal of terrorism is fear. Therefore, don't let the terrorists win. First STOP, relax, try to think objectively, and assess your risk. Honestly ask yourself: "would/could a terrorist target me by doing this?" Very often the answer will be "no". However, if you are still concerned after a thoughtful risk assessment, take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands and any other potentially exposed skin with ordinary soap and water. Wash your hair with shampoo only if potentially exposed. And, wash potentially exposed clothing with laundry detergent.
- Call 911 and allow your local police to objectively assess your risk. Rest assured that they will take further action if they believe the threat to you could be credible.
What should I do if I have signs or symptoms that I think could be from anthrax?
Again, it is important to first STOP, relax, try to think objectively, and assess your risk. Honestly ask yourself: "would/could a terrorist have infected me with anthrax?" Without a recent credible exposure, the answer will very likely be "no." Chances are your symptoms are due to some other more common medical ailment such as the flu or some other virus infection. However, if you are still concerned after a thoughtful risk assessment, take the following precautions:
- Contact your doctor immediately. If you do not have a doctor, you should contact a community health center or go to a local emergency department. Don't expect or insist on a nasal swab or antibiotics. Public health authorities are using nasal swabs for epidemiological (i.e., public health) purposes only. Further, the CDC and New York State Department of Health currently advocate strongly that antibiotics should not be prescribed except for a documented anthrax exposure.
What is the treatment for anthrax?
Tests conducted on anthrax found in other parts of the United States have shown that the bacteria can be treated with several antibiotics including ciprofloxacin (Cipro), doxycycline (Doxy), and various types of penicillin.
Can an infected person spread anthrax?
Inhalational anthrax is not transmitted from person to person. There is a very low risk that cutaneous (skin) anthrax can be spread to other persons, but only by direct contact with the drainage from the open sore.
How can I protect myself from contracting anthrax?
Remember that the best way to prevent or fight anthrax or any other infectious disease is to be in good health. Therefore, don't smoke, eat right, visit your health care provider regularly, and take all medications as prescribed. A healthy lifestyle is still your best defense against bioterrorism!
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