More on Anthrax

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FYI / MM

Anthrax infections on skin rarely prove fatal

In cases like the one at NBC, most will recover even without treatment

10/13/2001

Associated Press

Despite anthrax's terrifying reputation, the germ's infections on the skin are rarely fatal, and most people get better even without treatment. The most feared use of anthrax as a bioterrorist's weapon is spraying it through the air so it is breathed into the lungs, causing a hard-to-diagnose infection that is almost impossible to cure once symptoms start.

The case confirmed at NBC News in New York City on Friday was a much less aggressive form of anthrax, although both are caused by the same germ. That variety, called cutaneous anthrax, results when anthrax spores get through a scratch or other break in the skin and cause a sore.

Most people get better even without treatment. And taking standard antibiotics cures cutaneous anthrax in virtually everyone.

Anthrax infections, whether the inhaled or skin variety, are caused by spores of Bacillus anthracis, the anthrax bacteria that are mainly a livestock disease.

On the skin, the ailment starts after three to five days with a nondescript, painless blister that is red around the edges. A day or two later, this becomes an open sore that is especially recognizable because it is black. Eventually, this dries up and leaves a black scab, which falls off after a week or two.

People typically seek treatment, and the usual approach is a common antibiotic, such as penicillin, doxycycline, or Cipro. These medicines are extremely effective.

"Antibiotics and a clean gauze patch to cover it should take care of you," said Dr. Philip Hanna of the University of Michigan.

Left untreated, perhaps up to 20 percent of cases progress to a dangerous bloodstream infection, which is almost always fatal.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy cautioned against hoarding antibiotics in case of anthrax exposure. "We have enough for everyone who needs it," he said.

The skin form of anthrax accounts for 95 percent of all anthrax cases in the United States. Nevertheless, it is very rare, usually producing only a case or two a year.

Anthrax is mainly a disease of grazing animals, and cutaneous anthrax is largely confined to people whose skin is exposed to the bacteria, such as ranchers, hide workers and veterinarians.

Typically, people get the anthrax sores on the head, neck or arms.