Anthrax

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is anthrax?

Anthrax is an infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria are found in soil and spread from animals to humans. Cutaneous anthrax, or skin infection, is the most common. Lung infection is rare and may develop if you breathe in the bacteria. Intestine infection is also rare and may develop if you eat food that contains the bacteria. Antibiotics help treat the infection caused by the anthrax bacteria.

What increases my risk for anthrax?

• Contact with infected animals, such as their hair or hides
• Contact with the organism itself
• Travel to or work in a high-risk area
• Exposure during a bioterrorist event
• Injecting heroin

What are the signs and symptoms of anthrax?

You may have a fever, headache, muscle aches, or swollen glands with any of the following types of infection.

• Skin infection:
  • Raised, itchy bump, like an insect bite
  • One or more blisters with swelling around them
  • Painless ulcer covered by a black scab
• Lung infection:
  • Cough or trouble breathing
  • A cold sweat
  • Chest pain
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion or dizziness
• Intestine infection:
  • Severe sore throat
  • Vomiting blood
  • Loss of appetite
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your bowel movement
• Injection infection:
  • Swelling at the injection site
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating

How is anthrax diagnosed?

• Blood tests will show the bacteria causing your infection.
• A sample of an open sore or mucus you cough up may show the anthrax bacteria.
• An x-ray or CT may show signs of an anthrax infection. You may be given contrast liquid to help your chest and abdomen show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

How is anthrax treated?

• Antibiotics help fight the bacterial infection.
• Antitoxin medicine targets toxins given off by the bacteria. Antitoxins are given along with other treatments.
• Supportive care may be needed if the infection is severe. Treatment may include fluid drainage or breathing support.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• ciprofloxacin
• Levaquin
• Cipro
• Cipro I.V.
• Vibramycin

View more treatment options

Should I get the anthrax vaccine?

The anthrax vaccine helps prevent all forms of infection. The vaccine is recommended for people at high risk for infection. This includes anyone who works directly with the bacteria, such as in a lab. Military personnel and anyone who travels to high-risk areas should also be vaccinated. Farmers, veterinarians, and livestock workers should be vaccinated. The vaccine is not recommended for anyone younger than 18 years.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have severe shortness of breath.
• You have hives or swelling of your face or throat.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You are dizzy or feel weak.
• Your abdomen is swollen, tender, and hard.
• You have severe pain.
• You vomit blood or have blood in your bowel movements.
• You have a sudden, high fever.

When should I call my doctor?

• Your symptoms do not go away or get worse, even after treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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