 |
Anthrax:
We have had many questions about Anthrax and biological warfare. Although we are not experts in this field, I can give you some information. For accurate, up to date information, you should go to the website for the Center of Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov
Anthrax is a bacterium, which in nature affects hoofed animals-livestock. There are many strains occurring in nature and manmade. It is transmissible to people via direct contact to the skin, digestive tract, or inhaled; however, it is not contagious person to person. Symptoms usually occur within 7 days of exposure.
Symptoms
- The intestinal form, which generally comes from contaminated meat, causes nausea, anorexia, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
- The respiratory form starts out as common cold-like symptoms, but progresses to severe breathing problems and shock.
Symptoms can be prevented by early antibiotic treatment as soon after exposure as possible. Once symptoms start, the disease is usually 90% fatal. A vaccine exists, but is not commercially available.
A theoretical study guessed that if 100 kilograms (220 lbs.) of Anthrax spores were released over Washington, there would be 130,000 to 3 million people infected. The government takes this and other forms of biological and chemical threats very seriously. There are inspections of cargo, crop-dusters, and interstate travel to increase vigilance. Unfortunately, our biochemical defenses are underfunded. I would strongly recommend contacting your state and national representatives to increase funding to homeland security
Links of interest
The
White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov
State
of California
http://www.state.ca.us
The
United States Senate
http://www.senate.gov
U.S.
House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov
Center
of Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov
|