What is anthrax?
 
Anthrax is a disease caused by a small one-celled organism called bacillus anthracis. This bacterium produces and spreads spores (cells that are "asleep.") Spores cause infection under certain conditions, and they may enter the body in three ways: through the skin (cutaneous), through the stomach (gastrointestinal) or through the nose and mouth (inhalation).  Anthrax is mostly found in wild and domestic animals (herbivores), and, in rare cases, can reach humans who handle products made from infected animals. 

Anthrax also can be used as a weapon. This happened in the United States in 2001, when anthrax was spread through the postal system by sending letters with powder containing anthrax. The result was 22 cases of anthrax infection.
Some intelligence agencies consider anthrax a top choice for use as a biological warfare agent. The spores are relatively easy to produce, they can be spread in the air easily, and they remain dangerous for decades.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies anthrax as a Category A agent, the most dangerous designation of bioterrorism weapons that: pose the greatest threat for a bad effects on public health, spread across a large areas and involve extensive planning to protect the public's health.
According to researchers, anthrax is not known to spread from person to person; people can only be infected if they come into contact with the spores. 

What are some of the symptoms of anthrax?

The symptoms of anthrax depend on the type of infection. 

Cutaneous infections, the most common naturally occurring form of anthrax, are caused when anthrax spores enter a break in the skin. This usually happens while handling contaminated animal products such as meat wool or hides. The infection starts with a small bump that resembles a mosquito bite.  After a few days, the bump then forms into a small liquid-filled sac.  It then forms into a sore with a black center of dead tissue.   Between 5% and 20% of cutaneous anthrax cases can result in death, but mortality is highly unlikely if the infected individual receives antibiotic therapy.

Gastrointestinal infections occur when an individual eats raw or undercooked meat that is contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.  If left untreated, the infection can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting blood, and abdominal cramps. Gastrointestinal infection causes death in 25% to 60% of cases.  There were no cases of gastrointestinal anthrax reported in the U.S. during the 20th Century. 

Inhalation anthrax is the most severe form of the illness, and infection can occur during a single deep breath. Initial symptoms usually appear within one to six days but they can delay up to 60 days. At first, inhalation anthrax resembles the flu, causing sore throat, mild fever, muscle aches and fatigue. Symptoms worsen after a few days, causing severe breathing problems and shock. If untreated, the illness has a 99% death rate. Even with excellent hospital treatment, patients who develop severe symptoms have a 45% to 80% chance of death. Anthrax spores are tasteless, odorless, and invisible, and, because inhalation anthrax's early symptoms resemble the common cold or flu, misdiagnosis is possible.

Who is most likely to become infected by anthrax?

Since individuals are unlikely to come into contact with anthrax spores, few groups are considered "high risk."  People who work with Bacillus anthracis bacteria have a higher chance than others to become infected, as are military personnel and people who work with animals and/or animal fur or hides.

Is there an anthrax vaccine?

Scientists have developed an anthrax vaccine-involving six shots and yearly boosters-but it's not available to the general public. Anyone who may be exposed to anthrax, including certain members of the U.S. armed forces, laboratory workers and people who enter contaminated areas may receive the vaccine. In the event of an anthrax attack, individuals exposed would also receive the vaccine.

How is anthrax treated? 

All types of anthrax infections are curable if they are caught in time, and all can be treated with antibiotics. Early identification and treatment are of utmost importance.
Individuals who are exposed to anthrax but are not yet sick receive a combination of antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, or penicillin) combined with the anthrax vaccine to prevent anthrax infection.
Exposed individuals who are already sick must undergo a 60-day course of antibiotics. Success depends on the type of anthrax exposure and how soon treatment begins.

How can I protect myself from anthrax?
 
The best way to prevent infections is to know what anthrax looks like and to be aware of your surroundings during times of political conflicts.  It is always a good idea to check local disease outbreaks before traveling to any country outside the U.S.

If you receive a suspicious package containing white powder, contact law enforcement immediately. If you are showing symptoms of anthrax or have reason to think you're exposed, contact your physician immediately.

Websites used:

Center for Disease Control
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/

WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/hw/cold_and_flu/ty6358.asp

Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program
http://www.anthrax.osd.mil/default.asp