Due to the current public concern regarding anthrax, Walgreens Health Initiatives is providing its clients with this shorteducational resource. For further information, please consult a medical expert. Anthrax
♦ Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is a spore-producing bacterium that usually is transmitted by contact with anthrax-infected
animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax bacteria cannot survive outside a living organism unless protected byspores, in which case the bacteria may survive for decades. When these spores come into contact with animals or humans,the spores release the bacteria, resulting in infection. Spread of Anthrax
♦ Anthrax is not contagious. Person-to-person transmission is extremely unlikely.
♦ Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions by contact with anthrax-infected animals or contaminated animal products.
♦ Transmission to humans usually is due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their products. Types and Treatment of Anthrax Three forms of anthrax occur in humans: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. Form of Anthrax Signs/Symptoms FDA Treatment1,2 Prognosis Cutaneous (skin) Intensive care treatment
♦ Fever, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, and
Inhalation (most severe form)
♦ Progresses to a high fever, respiratory
♦ Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and
Gastrointestinal
♦ Progresses to abdominal pain, vomiting
Impact of Stockpiling on the General Public3 The American Medical Association has advised physicians that there is no indication for the widespread prescribing of antibiotics to prevent anthrax. Both the Surgeon General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services stress that the public should not stockpile Cipro.
♦ Stockpiling of antibiotics by patients can lead to self-treatment when symptoms similar, but unrelated, to anthrax arise.
♦ Inappropriate use of antibiotics exposes patients to the risk of experiencing side effects.
♦ Overuse of antibiotics contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance. The more often an antibiotic is used, the more
chances it has to become ineffective against the bacteria that it’s trying to fight.
♦ Stockpiling may prevent the availability of the drug for individuals who may need it for other serious conditions.
1. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/DocumentsApp/Anthrax/10222001Advisory.asp. Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacillus anthracis Isolates Associated
with Intentional Distribution in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. September – October, 2001.
2. Inglesby TV, Henderson DA, Bartlett JG, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management.
3. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/article/167-5389. In Light of Anthrax Cases and Exposures-AMA Warns against Antibiotic Misuse.
4. Disease Control: Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, Disease Information. Anthrax. Oct 23, 2001. 5. National Association of Chain Drug Stores. “Answers about Anthrax from your Pharmacist.”
6. http://www.nacds.org National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Pharmacists/Patient Interaction on Preventative Use of Cipro. Oct 24, 2001.
Centra/VDH 2009 Pandemic Influenza Response Panel From: J. Scott Wade, MD, Chair Centra Infection Control Committee Kerry Gateley, MD, Director Central Virginia Health District, Virginia Dept. of Health As you are aware, the novel H1N1 Influenza A strain has continued to cause cases of influenza-like illness on a worldwide basis; the Central Virginia area has certainly been affected over the la
COMPTE RENDU DE LA SEANCE DU CONSEIL MUNICIPAL DU 24 JUILLET 2009 Le Conseil Municipal s’est réuni le 24 juillet 2009, à 20 h, en Mairie de CLERVAL, sous la présidence de Monsieur Julien BOULANGER, Maire. Sauf : - Évelyne CARLIN, procuration à Fabrice FOURNIER - Georges GARNIER, procuration à Raphaël LOMBARDET - Michel PUJOL, procuration à Julien BOULANGER Lecture est donné
Due to the current public concern regarding anthrax, Walgreens Health Initiatives is providing its clients with this shorteducational resource. For further information, please consult a medical expert.