Vaccine Ready logo Vaccine Ready
Menu
Download on the App Store
Download on the App Store
Disease information

Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection associated mainly with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The bacteria form spores that can survive in soil. Illness depends on whether spores enter through broken skin, are breathed in or are swallowed. All forms can become severe without treatment, although most people are unlikely to be exposed.

Prevention: Mixed

Symptoms

  • A painless skin sore with a dark center and surrounding swelling
  • Fever, cough, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing after inhalation
  • Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea after swallowing spores

Transmission

  • Spores entering cuts while handling infected animals, hides, wool or other animal products
  • Breathing in spores from contaminated material
  • Eating contaminated meat or swallowing contaminated water

Prevention

Avoid handling animals or animal products suspected of contamination. People whose work or activities put them at risk should follow specialist protective measures and discuss whether vaccination is appropriate.

Diagnosis and care

Contact a healthcare professional immediately after suspected exposure, even before symptoms. Prompt medical assessment matters because antibiotics and, in some situations, vaccination can prevent illness after exposure. Established disease needs urgent treatment.

Source

  • About Anthrax

    Based on CDC information

    Source language: English

    Source reviewed: February 4, 2026

    Source accessed: May 17, 2026

More disease information

← All diseases