How does a person get infected with Anthrax?
Anthrax is a bacterial spore, meaning that it is “hibernated” and doesn’t do what it is meant to do.
Anthrax becomes “activated” once it enters an animal / human.
There are 4 Different ways of getting Anthrax;
- Cutaneous Anthrax: Spores entering your body through a break in the skin, cut or scrape, and then enters your bloodstream.
- Gastrointestinal Anthrax: The bacteria enters your body when you eat raw or uncooked meat and then it enters your digestive system, anywhere from your esophagus to your small intestines.
- Inhalation Anthrax: Anthrax spores enter your respiratory system when you breathe in through your mouth or nose and it then releases toxins inside of your lungs.
- Injection Anthrax: Anthrax spores enter your body via needle and then enter your bloodstream. It is similar to cutaneous anthrax, but in this case, the anthrax is spread further into your skin and towards muscle tissue.
Where in the world can you easily contract Anthrax?
Anthrax is most commonly found in the rural areas of Central and South America, South of the
Saharan Desert, central and southwestern Asia, southern and eastern Europe, and the Caribbean.
Anthrax is very rare in the United States, but is more commonly found in developing countries
and countries that do not have public health programs for animals.