Initial signs include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever, followed by abdominal pain, vomiting blood and severe diarrhoea. Between 25 percent and 60 percent of cases are fatal. Anthrax is global. It is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary public health programs. It is not contagious.
Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics.
To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products and not eat meat that has not been properly prepared. Also, an anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. It is reported to be 93 percent effective.