Anthrax’s presentation varies depending on the type of infection: For cutaneous infection: • A raised, itchy bump resembling an insect bite that quickly develops into a painless sore with a black center • Swelling in the sore and nearby lymph nodes For gastrointestinal infection: • Nausea • Vomiting • Abdominal pain • Headache • Loss of appetite • Fever • Bloody diarrhea in the later stages of the disease • Sore throat and difficulty swallowing • Swollen neck For inhalational infection: • High fever • Shortness of breath • Mild chest discomfort • Vomiting of blood • Coughing up blood

Anthrax is diagnosed by looking for the bacteria in bodily fluids taken from the suspected site of infection. The cutaneous type is usually managed using oral antibiotics, while the other two types (which are often more serious) are managed using intravenous antibiotics and medications used to fight the toxins made by the bacteria. Similar to treating other infections, supportive care is necessary and includes having a healthy diet, adequate fluid intake or rehydration (especially if the patient has loose stools or is vomiting), and enough rest.

To help reduce the risk of infection, the following measures must be taken: • Practice proper hand hygiene • Educate the community and people who handle potentially contaminated objects about Anthrax and personal cleanliness Since anthrax is most commonly seen in sick animals, animal handlers should also: • Enforce wearing personal protective equipment • Report suspected cases of anthrax in animals to government authorities (e.g. Provincial Health Office, Center for Health Development, Epidemiology Bureau) • Handle the dead animal with caution There is already a vaccine against anthrax for humans, but it is not yet available in the Philippines. Instead, vaccination of animals against anthrax is strongly recommended.