Anthrax (Bioterrorism agent)

Disease Information

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in warm-blooded animals, but can also infect humans.

Anthrax vaccine is not recommended for children under the age of 18. At this point it is not available commercially except to the military because of the risk military personnel may encounter in their work.

Disease Reporting

What is required?

Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories

Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of anthrax to local health departments immediately, day or night. Call 971-673-1111 to reach the state health department doctor on call.

• Health care providers: Use our secure web-based confidential reporting system – OR – use the confidential PDF reporting form.
• See How and Where to Report for more information and local health department contacts.

For Tribal and Local Public Health Authorities

• Anthrax Investigative Guidelines (pdf)
  
• Anthrax Case Report Form (pdf)

See Also

• More information on other possible biological agents
• Public Health Division Preparedness Surveillance and Epidemiology Team
• MMWR Recommendations for use of anthrax vaccine in the United States (pdf)
• CDC Vaccine Information Statements (English only)
• CDC Vaccine Information Statements in other languages from the Immunization Action Coalition