Anthrax PDF

1 Bacillus anthracis 2 Anthrax: Background 3 Anthrax: Basics 4 Epidemiology of Anthrax in the 21st Century Agricultural, farm workers exposed to infected animals (rare) Non-industrial: laboratorians through close contact with B. anthracis spores or civilians expos...

1 Bacillus anthracis 2 Anthrax: Background 3 Anthrax: Basics 4 Epidemiology of Anthrax in the 21st Century Agricultural, farm workers exposed to infected animals (rare) Non-industrial: laboratorians through close contact with B. anthracis spores or civilians exposed to contaminated imported animal products (rare) Industrial: processors of wool, hair, hides, bones, or other animal products (now rare) Intentional/bioterrorist: inhalational and cutaneous exposure to B. anthracis spores through U.S. mail 5 Cases of Anthrax in the U.S., 1951–2000* (N = 409) 6 Anthrax: Current Issues in the U.S. 7 Anthrax Bioterrorism Issues (1) Surveillance for cutaneous and inhalational disease to identify attack Targeting prevention strategies –Rapidly identify exposed populations –Conduct epidemiologic investigation with environmental testing –Supply postexposure prophylaxis –Trace route of vehicle of exposure 8 Anthrax Bioterrorism Issues (2) Environmental assessment to determine exposures Decontamination Defining population at risk for pre-exposure immunization 9 1 8 Decontamination Defining population at risk for pre-exposure immunization 9 Threat Assessment of Anthrax FBI and other law enforcement authorities are investigating intentional exposures as criminal acts. Until source of exposures is eliminated, exposure to B. anthracis and subsequent clinical illness may continue. Clinicians and laboratorians should be vigilant for B. anthracis infection, particularly among mail handlers. CDC will provide updated information at www.bt.cdc.gov 10 Threat Assessment Clinical laboratorians should be alert to Bacillus species, particularly in specimens from previously healthy patients with rapidly progressive respiratory illness or cutaneous ulcer. If B. anthracis is suspected, laboratories should immediately notify the healthcare provider and local and state public health staff. For rapid identification of B. anthracis, state and local health departments should access the Laboratory Response Network for Bioterrorism (LRN). 11 Exposure Situation Management: B. anthracis in Envelope Antimicrobial prophylaxis for those potentially exposed Environmental samples –Surface swabs –Nasal swabs of potentially exposed persons (if