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Observium Anthrax

Anthrax Bacillus anthracis

Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis or Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis. Infection typically occurs by contact with the skin, inhalation, or intestinal absorption. Symptom onset occurs between one day and two months after the infection is contracted. The skin form presents with a small blister with surrounding swelling that often turns into a painless ulcer with a black center. The inhalation form presents with fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The intestinal form presents with diarrhea, abdominal pains, nausea, and vomiting.

8WHO outbreaks
502Cases reported
16Deaths
6Countries affected

Countries with active outbreaks

  • United States — 3 events
  • Thailand — 1 events, 15 cases
  • Zambia — 1 events, 287 cases
  • Ethiopia — 1 events
  • Russia — 1 events, 15 cases, 2 deaths
  • Ghana — 1 events, 185 cases, 14 deaths

Recent events

  • 2025-05-29T16:05:07Z · Thailand — Anthrax – Thailand · 15 cases
  • 2023-12-08T19:00:00Z · Zambia — Anthrax - Zambia · 287 cases
  • 2001-10-26T00:00:00Z · United States — 2001 - Anthrax in the United States
  • 2001-10-22T10:00:00Z · United States — Anthrax - United States of America
  • 2001-10-10T10:00:00Z · United States — Anthrax - United States of America
  • 2000-06-20T00:00:00Z · Ethiopia — 2000 - Anthrax in Ethiopia
  • 1998-08-11T00:00:00Z · Russia — 1998 - Anthrax, Russian Federation · 15 cases · 2 deaths
  • 1997-06-05T00:00:00Z · Ghana — 1997 - Anthrax in Ghana · 185 cases · 14 deaths

Frequently asked questions

What is Anthrax?

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis or Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis. Infection typically occurs by contact with the skin, inhalation, or intestinal absorption. Symptom onset occurs between one day and two months after the infection is contracted. The skin form presents with a small blister with surrounding swelling that often turns into a painless ulcer with a bl

How is Anthrax transmitted?

The main transmission routes of Anthrax are: zoonotic (livestock), spores, potential bioterrorism.

Where is Anthrax endemic?

Anthrax is endemic in the following regions: Worldwide rural areas.

What is the case fatality rate of Anthrax?

The typical case fatality rate (CFR) of Anthrax is 20 cutaneous to >85 inhalational%.

How many active Anthrax outbreaks worldwide?

Currently 8 active WHO outbreaks reported, with 502 cases and 16 deaths in the surveillance window.

Official sources

Observium aggregates real-time data from authoritative sources: WHO Disease Outbreak News, CDC NNDSS, ECDC, Europe PMC, Italian Ministry of Health, ISS, UKHSA, RIVM, RKI, BAG, ISCIII, NICD, and 20+ national sources plus Google News.

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