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Anthrax |
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In humans, three types of anthrax infections can occur,
based on the route of exposure: cutaneous (skin exposure), inhalational
(inhalation exposure), and gastrointestinal (ingestion exposure). Symptoms are
dependent on the route of exposure. Those most often associated with skin
infections are itching, boils, and formation of a black scab. Symptoms most
often associated with inhalation infections are fever, chest pain, and
difficulty breathing. Symptoms most often associated with ingestion infections
are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Additional information about anthrax can be
found in the following resources:
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Emergency Preparedness & Response.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). Provides step by step guidance on the
preparedness actions to take that will help
people deal with disasters of all sorts most
effectively. An A-Z Index of All Agents,
Diseases & Other Threats includes:
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Anthrax. Contains basic information
about the disease, questions & answers about
worker safety, specific recommendations for
mail handlers, fact sheets and additional
links to diagnosis/evaluation, infection
control, surveillance & investigation, and
treatment.
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Anthrax: Frequently Asked Questions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). Answers questions about how anthrax is
transmitted, where is it found, who should
get vaccinated, and is there treatment for
anthrax.
Workers Exposed Through Criminal/Terrorist Acts
Workers whose jobs would not ordinarily involve anthrax exposure could be exposed through acts of terrorism. Conventional thinking is that terrorists are likely to target places where large populations can be found such as large buildings, sporting events, or mass transit systems. Recent events have shown that there is a wider range of physical locations that could be targeted and this expands the range of employees who could be exposed.
Health Care Workers
Health care workers in occupational settings such as hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories may be exposed to anthrax as a result of contact with patients whose skin, clothing, or personal effects are contaminated with anthrax spores, or through contact with contaminated equipment. Anthrax is not a contagious disease, so exposure will not result from contact with an infected patient.
Emergency Response Workers
Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical services workers, and others who are responsible for responding to acts of terrorism may be exposed to anthrax.
Animal Handling Occupations
Anthrax is most common in occupations involving animals, animal hides or fibers. Grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and horses are chief animal hosts of anthrax. Occupations susceptible to exposure may include shepherds, farmers, butchers, handlers of imported hides or fibers, weavers, veterinarians, and veterinary pathologists.
For additional information on prevention and control
of exposure, see
Prevention and Control. |
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