This information is provided to you regarding the threat to you and your community should there be a bioterrorist attack with Anthrax as the agent of infection.

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacillus. This disease occurs most frequently in sheep, goats and cattle that ingest contaminated soil. Humans can become infected through skin contact with lesions containing the bacillus, inhalation of aerosolized spores and ingestion. The most likely method used by a bioterrorist is to spray an aerosol in the air.

ANTHRAX IS NOT KNOWN TO BE TRANSMISSIBLE FROM PERSON TO PERSON except if you come in direct contact with skin lesions. Persons with Anthrax are not contagious.

Symptoms include Pulmonary-Flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, and tiredness) possible period of improvement and then two to four days after initial symptoms, abrupt onset of respiratory failure. THIS IS TREATABLE IN EARLY STAGES AND LESS TREATABLE AFTER ONSET OF BREATHING PROBLEMS. Incubation (the time from exposure to symptoms) 2-60 days.

Skin contact of lesions- if you have open sores on your hands do not touch sores that someone has on their body. WASH HANDS! This type of exposure can be treated with antibiotics. Incubation 1-7 days.

Gastrointestinal- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting fever follows eating of contaminated foods, usually meat. Bloody diarrhea, vomiting blood. THIS IS TREATABLE IN EARLY STAGES AND LESS TREATABLE AFTER PROGRESSION TO SYSTEM WIDE INFECTION. Incubation 1 to 7 days after eating contaminated food.

EXPOSURE

If you have been exposed to an aerosol. Gently remove your clothing and place in a plastic bag. Shower thoroughly using soap and water.

Clean surfaces that the aerosol may have settled on with a bleach solution one part bleach to nine parts water.

Don't panic, the local and state health departments and the CDC will be assisting you to get the antibiotics needed for treatment.