Anthrax is a serious condition that may result when humans come in contact with Bacillus anthracis bacterium. Humans may be exposed to anthrax through indirect of direct contact with infected animals. Eating contaminated meat or inhaling the bacteria's spores may also lead to illness. Anthrax can be fatal, especially when inhaled. It is treated with with antibiotics.
Ingested Anthrax
You may ingest anthrax if you eat rare or infected meat. Side effects of ingested anthrax include fever, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss diarrhea, sore throat and swollen neck. Vomit and diarrhea may become bloody as the condition worsens.
Skin Anthrax
Anthrax may enter the body through a cut or abrasion on the skin. Symptoms of anthrax skin infection include painless and swollen sores with black centers and lymph node swelling.
Inhaled Anthrax
Inhaling anthrax spores can lead to serious complications. Side effects associated with inhaling anthrax spores include fever, fatigue, sore throat, achy muscles, chest pain and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, inhaling anthrax can cause the body to go into shock or it can lead to meningitis.
Considerations
According to the National Health Institutes, skin-related anthrax only occurs about one or two times every year in the United States. Inhaled anthrax is even rarer and no cases have been reported in several years. Anthrax that occurs as a result of ingesting contaminated meat typically only occurs in places such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Treatment
Treatment with antibiotics can kill the anthrax bacteria. However, the bacteria manufactures toxins within the body and the antibiotics do not rid the body of these toxins. Early treatment is the most successful.
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