7/24/2005 6:55:31 PM Pacific Standard Time

Interesting note on Anthrax.......It lies for years in the soil, very common
in Africa



Who gets anthrax?

Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals.
These include South and Central American, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia,
Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Anthrax rarely occurs in the
United States, but there have been reports in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Oklahoma and South Dakota. When anthrax effects humans it is usually due to
an occupational exposure to infected animals, or their products. Workers who
are exposed to dead animals and animals products from other countries where
anthrax is more common may also be infected.



How is anthrax spread?

Anthrax spores can live in the soil for many years and humans can become
infected by handling animal products from infected animals, or by inhaling
anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread
by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. However, it is rare to
find infected animals in the United States.