Anthrax | CDC

Anthrax

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Slideshow image 1: The type of illness a person develops depends on how anthrax spores enter the body. All types of anthrax can cause death if they are not treated with antibiotics.

Slideshow image 2: Domestic and wild animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and deer can become infected when they inhale or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water.

Slideshow image 1: Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world.

Slideshow image 4: Anthrax is thought to have originated in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Learn more about the history of naturally occuring anthrax and its use as a biological weapon.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Page last reviewed: January 31, 2017

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)