Work-Related Diseases
Find information on occupational work-related diseases including diseases, category and group, synonyms, severity, latency, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments and options.
Anthrax
Occupational Disease Anthrax
Anthrax Category Infection, Occupational
Anthrax Severity
Acute-Severe
Anthrax Synonyms
Malignant pustule; Malignant edema; Woolsorter disease; Ragpicker disease; Bacillus anthracis infection
Information on Anthrax Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Screening and Imaging
The skin lesion begins as a red-brown papule that becomes indurated and then ulcerates to produce a black eschar. [Merck Manual, p.1158] The papule becomes a depressed, black eschar within 2-6 days. The skin lesion may be confused with orf. Cutaneous anthrax may spread to regional lymph nodes and beyond to cause the systemic form of the disease. Untreated cutaneous anthrax has a case-fatality rate of 5%-20%; it can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Deadly airborne spores can cause inhalation anthrax after dispersal in hide tanning, wool processing, and bone processing. A vaccine exists for laboratory workers, military personnel, and others high-risk workers. [Chin, p. 20-25] Pneumonia is unusual in inhalation anthrax; therefore, the pathogen cannot be isolated from sputum. Hemorrhagic meningitis is present in 50% of cases. The WBC count is elevated. [http://www.usamriid.army.mil/education/bluebook.html]
Anthrax Latency
1-7 days
Anthrax References
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/Agent/Anthrax/Anthrax.asp