ANTHRAX VACCINE: GAO's Survey of Guard and Reserve Pilots and Aircrew
Abstract
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can infect humans; however, it occurs most commonly in warm-blooded animals (herbivores) in the agricultural regions of countries with less standardized and less effective public health programs. Human anthrax occurs only rarely in the United States from natural causes. However, the anthrax attacks in October 2001 through contaminated mail resulted in the death of five persons. Human infection normally results from an occupational exposure to infected animals or animal products. For example, workers may be exposed to dead animals or to products such as wool, hides, leather, or hair products (especially goat hair). There have been no reports, even now, of the disease spreading from person to person; thus, anthrax is most likely not spread in humans directly. Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: (1) cutaneous, usually through a cut or an abrasion; (2) gastrointestinal, by ingesting contaminated meat; and (3) inhalation, by breathing anthrax spores into the lungs. Symptoms depend on how the disease is contracted but usually appear within 7 days. The disease can be treated with antibiotics: tetracycline and doxycycline are preferred, but penicillin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, or ciprofloxacin can also be used. To be effective, treatment should be started early.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- AD1179050
Entities
People
- Nancy Kingsbury
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office