A22: Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious, often life-threatening infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It primarily affects both wild and domesticated animals, such as goats, sheep, and cattle, but humans can contract the disease through exposure to infected animals or their products. There are four types of anthrax in humans, each relating to the route of exposure: cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal and injection anthrax, with symptoms varying accordingly. For instance, cutaneous anthrax, the most common form, often starts as a raised itchy bump resembling an insect bite that develops into a painless ulcer with a black center. Inhalation anthrax, on the other hand, generally starts with symptoms like those of a common cold, then progresses to severe breathing problems. Anthrax doesn't spread from person to person, but it can, if untreated, cause serious health complications, including death, especially in the inhalation type.