Anthrax (cont.)

Medical 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

Prognosis: If treated early, people with cutaneous anthrax recover. Those with oropharyngeal or intestinal anthrax have a less favorable outcome, and people with inhalational anthrax have the worst outcomes. About one-half of the victims of the fall 2001 anthrax attacks died.
Follow-up: With cutaneous anthrax, 80% of people who are not treated will recover. If treated, they may be given medication and sent home. A permanent circular scar may remain at the site of the original lesion. For others, with inhalational, meningeal, or septicemic anthrax, hospitalization is required.

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