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West Virginia |
Public FAQ:
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West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Information for the Public - AnthraxWhat is anthrax?Anthrax is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can occur in wild and domestic hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, etc. It can also occur in humans when they are exposed to the bacterium. There are 3 forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines). With intentional exposure, as in a bioterrorist release, breathing in the spores or contact with openings in the skin (cuts, scratches, abrasions, etc.) are the most likely routes of entry into the body. Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when people eat meat from anthrax-infected animals. What are the symptoms of anthrax?
How soon after exposure would symptoms begin?Symptoms generally develop between 1 and 7 days after exposure, but prolonged periods up to 60 days after exposure are possible. Can anthrax be spread person to person?
How likely is it that I will be exposed to anthrax, other biological or chemical agents?To date, all exposure incidents in West Virginia have been hoaxes. Nevertheless, each incident is evaluated individually to assess the level of risk to the public. Historically, the last reported cases of anthrax in humans in West Virginia occurred in 1947. What will be done to evaluate an incident?State and local public health, emergency, and law enforcement agencies will work together to evaluate all incidents. Examining the circumstances of the incident, the suspect material, and the type of exposure is required to determine if the incident represents a public health risk.
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State
of West Virginia (WV) A-Z Listing of West Virginia's Reportable Diseases
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