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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.

For Tribal and Local Public Health Authorities


See Also

CDC Factsheet