Medical Health Encyclopedia

Veterinarians and assistants in the western US or anyone who work with potentially plague-infected animals and travelers to developing countries where outbreaks have occurred should be vaccinated. The plague vaccine is not 100%y protective; it may only lessen severity of the disease. Preventive antibiotics are needed for anyone exposed. Side effects include headache, malaise, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and, occasionally, non-infected abscesses. Allergic reactions may occur, particularly in those sensitive to beef, soy, milk, and phenol.

Anthrax

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, or the lungs.

Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats, but humans who come in contact with the infected animals can get sick from anthrax, too. Historically, the populations most at risk for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers. Anthrax is a potential agent for use as a biological weapon or for bio-terrorism. In 2001, bioterrorist activities involving the U.S. Postal Service infected 22 people with anthrax; 7 survivors had confirmed cutaneous anthrax disease.

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Military personnel and vaccine researchers, as well as people who work with imported animal hides, furs, bone meal, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair), and bristles, should receive an anthrax vaccine. The anthrax vaccine appears to be safe and effective, even after exposure, but requires 6 shots over 18 months. Up to half of recipients develop temporary soreness; some develop fever. Pregnant women should not get the anthrax vaccine.

Click the icon to see an image of cutaneous anthrax.