Anthrax

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have identified a number of bioterrorism agents they consider high-priority for public health emergency planning. Anthrax is one of the agents included in “Category A” because it can be spread easily from person to person, can result in high mortality rates and have a significant impact on overall public health.

Anthrax can enter the human body through an open sore on the skin, by inhaling it into the lungs, or by digestion. Luckily, anthrax infection can be treated, if treatment is given early. In the event of a bioterrorism attack using weaponized inhalational anthrax, local health departments will work with the CDC to mass dispense antibiotics to all potentially exposed individuals within 48 hours. During the anthrax attack in 2001, many people in Washington DC and Florida were provided with a full course of antibiotics to treat patients who were potentially exposed.

Responding to these types of potential emergencies would include the help of hundreds of MRC volunteers. Thank you again for volunteering for the Davis County MRC.