Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department.
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by bacteria. These bacteria form spores which are dormant, but may come to life with the right conditions. Anthrax can infect the skin (if the bacteria are touched), digestive tract (if the bacteria are swallowed), or lungs (if the bacteria are breathed in). Anthrax does not spread from person to person. Antibiotics are used to treat all three types of anthrax, but early identification is important. Success depends on the type of anthrax and how soon treatment begins.