AnthraxMedical Author:
Burke A Cunha, MD
Medical Editor:
Jerry L Mothershead, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Raymond J Roberge, MD, MPH, FAAEM, FACMT
Anthrax IntroductionAnthrax is described in the early literature of the Greeks, Romans, and Hindus. The fifth plague, described in the book of Genesis, may be among the earliest descriptions of anthrax. Anthrax is caused by exposure to the spores of the bacteria Bacillus anthracis that become entrenched in the host body and produce lethal poisons. It is primarily a disease of grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Pigs are more resistant, as are dogs and cats. Birds usually are naturally resistant to anthrax. Buzzards and vultures are naturally resistant to anthrax but may transmit the spores on their talons and beaks. The bacteria that cause anthrax are able to go into a dormant phase, in which they form spores. Spores can exist in the environment for decades. Under the right conditions, the dormant spores can germinate and multiply. If terrorists were to use the anthrax spores, they would most likely want to disperse it into the air for mass effect. As was seen in October 2001, terrorists could also deliver anthrax by other means, such as placing spores in letters or packages to be opened and inhaled and handled by unsuspecting recipients. People of any age may be affected. Most cases are mild and go away with treatment. Anthrax, however, can be lethal. There are several ways anthrax can cause illness. These are the 3 main ways anthrax affects humans:
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Personal Protective Equipment »
Personal Protective Equipment Introduction
Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to the respiratory equipment, garments, and barrier materials used to protect rescuers and medical personnel from exposure to biological, chemical, and radioactive hazards.
- The goal of personal protective equipment is to prevent the transfer of hazardous material from victims or the environment to rescue or health care workers.
- Different types of PPE may be used depending on the hazard present. The types of hazards addressed here include biological warfare agents (BWAs), chemical warfare agents (CWAs), and radioactive agents.
- The most common routes of exposure to these hazards include inhalation (breathing, from the air), skin contact, and ingestion (eating or drinking).
The use of personal protective equipment by the general public for protection against chemical and biological agents is...
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Anthrax »
Anthrax was described in the early literature of the Greeks, Romans, and Hindus.
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