Anthrax Outbreak 2009-2010
To view the report on this outbreak and the resources developed to support the outbreak visit this section of the website.
Epidemiology
Anthrax is usually a disease of herbivorous mammals and is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The ability of this organism to form spores and survive for many years in a dormant state is a key feature of its epidemiology.
In humans, anthrax is a potentially serious infection, although it is very rare in Europe. It occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected animals, including handling meat, hides, hair and wool. There are also concerns about the use of anthrax as a bioterrorism agent.
Main clinical features
These are dependent on the route of infection and take 3 main forms:
- Cutaneous (>90% cases) – entry through a skin lesion leads to the development initially of a pimple which, within two to three days, develops to form a dry, black firmly adherent scab from two to several cm in diameter across. The lesion rarely causes much pain, but there is nearly always considerable oedema which may spread a long way from the site of the lesion and may take up to six weeks to resolve.
- Pulmonary – entry is through inhalation of spores and illness begins insidiously with mild symptoms of slight fever and malaise lasting a few days. This is followed by an abrupt overt flu-like illness with fever and chills, leading quickly to prostration, shock, collapse and death.
- Intestinal – entry is through ingestion of spores and leads to severe gastrointestinal disease with nausea, vomiting, anorexia and fever leading to shock, collapse and death.
Incubation period
- Cutaneous: One to seven days (rarely up to seven weeks)
- Pulmonary: One to seven days (usually 48 hours)
- Intestinal: one to seven days.
Surveillance
Voluntary laboratory reports.
Annual Surveillance Tables
No cases reported in Scotland between 1987 and 2005. One case was laboratory confirmed in 2006. In 2009 an outbreak of anthrax in drug users began, which continued into 2010. Information is provided in the link at the top of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last reviewed: April 2009
The HPS website provides access to information on a wide range of subjects
contained within our extensive knowledge base.
Use the links below to browse information for this particular subject area:
Back |
Print this Page
| 
Back to Top