ADMINISTRATION OF ANTHRAX VACCINE

File: 970107_sep96_decls51_0005.txt
Page: 0005
Total Pages: 5

Subject: ADMINISTRATION OF ANTHRAX VACCINE                               

Unit: OTSG        

Parent Organization: HSC         

Box  ID: BX003201

Folder Title: BOTULINUM VACCINATION PROGRAM                                                                   

Document Number:     190001

Folder Seq  #:     190000








                                           ANTHRAX

             1. Anthrax is a zoonot4.c disease caused by a gram positive Spore-
             forming bacteria, Bac4-llus anthracis.    Human cases normaII7 have
             resulted from contact with anthrax soores that contaminate an4mal
             products such as hides, wool, and hair. Under natural condi-,:'.ons,
             the disease manifests itself in three clinical forms:
                  a.   Cutaneous (malignant pustule)      The most Common forn,
             normally begins as a painless papule at the site of inoculation.
             The papule becomes vesicular and then progresses to hemorrhagic
             necrosis and eschar formation with regional lymphadenopathy.
             Constitutional symptoms and fever are absent unless dissemination
             occurs.
                  b.   Gastrointestinal:   This uncorunon form results from the
             ingestion of anthrax-contaminated meat from sick animals.         The
             disease course is characterized by abdominal'pain, bloody diarrhea,
             toxemia, shock, and death.
                  C. Inhalation: This rare     'form has occurred in the past in
             unvaccinated textile workers exposed to aerosols containing anthrax
             spores from contaminated hides or hair/wool. The disease begins
             after an incubation period varying from I to 6 days, presumably
             dependent on the dose of inhaled spores.        it is difficult to
             diagnose early, as the onset is gradual and non-specific, with
             fever, malaise, and fatigue,      sometimes in association with a
             nonproductive cough and mild chest discomfort.          The initial
             symptoms are followed in 2 to 3   days by the abrupt development of
             severe respiratory distress with  dyspnea, diaphoresis, stridor, and
             cyanosis.    Physical findings    may include evidence of pleural
the chest wall, and meningitis.      Chest X-ray
             reveals a dramatically widened mediastinum, often with pleural
             effusions but typically without infiltrates.       Shock and death
             usually follow within 24 to 36 hours of respiratory distress onset.

             2. If this bacterium were used in a biowarfare attack, acrosolized
             anthrax spores would be released causing the inhalation form of the
             disease. Preventing exposure of the respiratory tract and mucous
             membranes (to include the conjunctivae) to infections and/or toxic
             aerosols through use of a f'ull-face respirator will prevent
             illness, and should, theoretically, obviate the need for additional
             measures.   However, from a practical standpoint it would be very
             difficult to wear the chemical protective mask at all times.

             3. Primary protect;-on against acrosolized anthrax spores involves
             physical protection from exposure to the respiratory tract and
             mucous membranes through use of the chemical protective mask.
             Immunization with the anthrax vaccine should provide backup
             protection for those individuals exposed to modest spore doses
             without benefit of physical protection.

Document 5 f:/Week-36/BX003201/BOTULINUM VACCINATION PROGRAM/administration of anthrax vaccine:01029715474052
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003201
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = BOTULINUM VACCINATION PROGRAM
Folder Seq # = 190000
Subject = ADMINISTRATION OF ANTHRAX VACCINE
Document Seq # = 190001
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 02-JAN-1997