Controlling Spread of Anthrax

Table of Contents

A. Isolation and Quarantine Requirements

Minimum Period of Isolation of Patient

  • Until lesions are healed or free of anthrax bacilli

Minimum Period of Quarantine of Contacts

  • No restrictions

B. Protection of Contacts of a Case

There is no immunization or prophylaxis for contacts of cases. Anthrax is essentially non-contagious.

Standard Precautions are recommended for use for healthcare providers when caring for a patient with anthrax . This includes use of gloves and gowns if soiling of clothing is possible and when in contact with any open wound.

In the event of death, it should be assumed that all body fluids of the deceased person have very high concentrations of B. anthracis. Gloves and gowns should be worn when placing the body in a body bag. Contaminated dressings and bedclothes of cases should be burned or steam sterilized to destroy spores. The patient room may require fumigation, depending on the perceived level of contamination.  Consultation with CADE is recommended in this type of situation.

C. Managing Special Situations

Reported Incidence Is Higher than Usual/Outbreak Suspected

Even a single case of human anthrax, especially of the inhalation variety, would be so unusual in the United States that it would warrant immediate reporting to public health and law enforcement authorities for consideration of deliberate use.

Note:  For a potential bioterrorism event, IDPH and other response authorities will work closely with local agencies and provide instructions/information on how to proceed.

If the threat of exposure to aerosolized anthrax is credible or confirmed, persons at risk should begin post-exposure with both an appropriate antibiotic and vaccine.

D. Preventive Measures

Environmental Measures

Implicated food items must be removed from the environment. A decision about testing implicated food items can be made in consultation with the Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) and CADE. Coordination for pickup and testing of food samples can be done through the DIA. If a commercial product is suspected, DIA will also coordinate follow-up with relevant outside agencies.

Personal Preventive Measures/Education

To avoid cases of anthrax, IDPH recommends the following:

  • Individuals at significant on-going risk of acquiring anthrax (e.g., laboratory workers) should be vaccinated.
  • Employees who work with hides of potentially infected animals should be educated about anthrax and how to minimize exposures and possibly receive vaccine.

Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Reviewed 8-15