Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Anthrax is caused by the bacterium bacillus anthracis . It is a disease of sheep, cattle, horses, goats, and swine. Human infection, though rare is an occupational disease of farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers. Cutaneous anthrax is transmitted through a break in the skin.
Infection produces a localized skin lesion with tissue death resulting in a black necrotic eschar .
From the localized lesion infection may spread through the bloodstream and cause sweating , fever , chills, shock, cyanosis, and collapse. The incidence is 1 out of 100,000 people. The objective of treatment is to cure the infection with antibiotics. Penicillin or tetracycline are used for mild cutaneous disease. Complications hemorrhagic meningitis mediastinitis shock Calling Your Health Care Provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur following exposure to farm animals.