What is it?
A rare disease bacterial disease that normally only affects sheep and cattle which eat infected food and soil.
Humans get the condition by touching infected cattle and infected soil.
The infection occurs if one has broken skin and hence the bacteria enter the skin.
If one has mild symptoms recovery occurs after three weeks, however if inhaled or ingested the bacteria serious conditions can occur.
Persons affected can be wool workers, handling animals, farmers, gardeners, hair and bristle industries, meat industries and butchers.
Diagnosis tests
Microscopy (Gram stain)
Bacterial culture
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Blood culture
Skin lesion swab/biopsy
Serology (antibody testing)
Immunohistochemistry – check anthrax via tissue samples
Chest X-ray / CT scan
Lumbar puncture with CSF testing – check for meningitis
Stool sampling – gastrointestinal anthrax
The main countries affected:
Africa
Middle East
The Caribbean
Countries affected are:
Africa
Namibia
United Republic of Tanzania (Zanzibar)
Cause
Bacteria: Bacillus anthracis
Skin injury causing broken skin
Through skin cuts after contact with infected animals/products
Eating infected meat (animal has eaten from infected soils) and vegetables (grown in infected soils).
Breathing the bacteria in (woolsorters ‘ disease)
Contaminated injected drugs
Source: http://www.regionalderm.com ' Red streaks'
Source: Medical Journal of Australia
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Symptoms
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
Appearance of a bitten skin (malignant pustule) like an itchy bump with redness?
Skin can then become like a circular blister (1-3cm diameter) and opens up with swelling of the skin a day later?
Bleeding and bruising under the skin?
Ulcer becomes like a black scab (necrotic eschar) which can leave a scar?
Red streaks, swollen and sore rash (swelling of lymph glands)?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips: Medical Emergency Condition
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance
This condition may lead to:
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Anthrax in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments ).
Medical News Today
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Medscape (Professional level)
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Healthline
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EveryDay Health
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NHS
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WebMD
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Cleveland Clinic
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Mayo Clinic
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Drugs.com
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National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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Verywell Health
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Nathnac
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DR Axe
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Better health - NHS
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