Anthrax
Cause
Bacillus anthracis bacteria.
Transmission
Anthrax is primarily a disease of animals. Cutaneous infection, the most frequent clinical form of anthrax, occurs through contact with products from infected animals (mainly cattle, goats, sheep), such as leather or woollen goods, or through contact with soil containing anthrax spores.
Nature of the disease
A disease of herbivorous animals that occasionally causes acute infection in humans, usually involving the skin, as a result of contact with contaminated tissues or products from infected animals or with anthrax spores in soil. Untreated infections may spread to regional lymph nodes and to the bloodstream, and may be fatal.
Geographical distribution
Sporadic cases occur in animals worldwide; there are occasional outbreaks in Africa and central Asia.
Risk for travellers
Very low for most travellers.
Prophylaxis
None. (A vaccine is available for people at high risk because of occupational exposure to B. anthracis; it is not commercially available in most countries.)
Precautions
Avoid direct contact with soil and with products of animal origin, such as souvenirs made from animal skins.