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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffAntibiotics are recommended to prevent infection in anyone exposed to the spores. Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for post-exposure prevention of anthrax in adults and children. Levofloxacin is also approved for use in adults.
Anthrax vaccine
An anthrax vaccine for humans is available, but it's not 100 percent effective. The vaccine doesn't contain live bacteria and can't lead to infection, but it can cause side effects, ranging from soreness at the injection site to more-serious allergic reactions. The vaccine isn't recommended for children, pregnant women or older adults.
Traditionally, vaccination has consisted of three shots given two weeks apart, followed by three additional shots given at six, 12, and 18 months. But some research has shown that a less stringent schedule may be equally effective with fewer side effects.
The vaccine isn't intended for the general public. Instead, it's reserved for military personnel, scientists working with anthrax and people in other high-risk professions.
Avoiding infected animals
If you live or travel in a country where anthrax is common and herd animals aren't routinely vaccinated, avoid contact with livestock and animal skins as much as possible. Also avoid eating meat that hasn't been properly cooked.
Even in developed countries, it's important to handle any dead animal with care and to take precautions when working with or processing imported hides, fur or wool.
- Anthrax. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/anthrax_gi.html. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Anthrax Q & A: Anthrax & influenza. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/flu.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Anthrax Q & A: Vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/vaccination.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Shadomy SV, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of anthrax. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Shadomy SV, et al. Treatment and prevention of anthrax. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Anthrax Q & A: Diagnosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/diagnosis.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Anthrax. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/anthrax.htm. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Questions and answers about anthrax. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/index.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Manano N, et al. Effects of a reduced dose schedule and intramuscular administration of anthrax vaccine adsorbed on immunogenicity and safety at 7 months: A retrospective study. JAMA. 2008;300:1532.
- Inhalation anthrax associated with dried animal hides - Pennsylvania and New York City, 2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5510a4.htm. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Meyer MA. Neurologic complications of anthrax: A review of the literature. Archives of Neurology. 2003;60:483.
- Anthrax Q and A: Preventive therapy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/faq/preventive.asp. Accessed March 29, 2009.
