Anthrax
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium
Bacillus anthracis.
Naturally occurring anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates (cattle,
sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores) when they ingest spores from soil, and it
can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or to tissue from infected animals
or if anthrax spores are used as a bioterrorist weapon.
Although human anthrax is infrequent and sporadic in the United States, human cases (primarily
cutaneous) continue to be reported from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. While anthrax
contaminated soil exists in many foci throughout the United States, the number of cases
reported annually, prior to the 2001 bioterrorism-related outbreak, had declined over the
last five decades; in the United States, five human cutaneous cases were reported between
1981-1996. In 2006, a case of inhalational anthrax acquired from animal drum hides from
Africa occurred in a resident of New York City, prior to that the last known naturally
acquired inhalational anthrax case in the United States occurred in 1976. During the 2001
bioterrorism-related anthrax outbreak, 11 inhalational anthrax and 11 cutaneous anthrax cases
occurred.
NOTE TO ALL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
If you suspect that a patient is infected with
Anthrax, immediately call Acute Communicable Disease Control to assist
with diagnosis and implementation of infection control.
(213) 240-7941 (7:30AM-5:00PM, Mon-Fri)
(213) 974-1234 (After Hours, Emergency Operator)
News & Updates
Important Guidelines and Recommendations
Special studies reports for Los Angeles County
For Healthcare Professionals
For the Public
Reporting/Epidemiology Forms
