How can Anthrax be Treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat all three types of anthrax. Antibiotics like penicillin, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin are effective in treating anthrax.

Treatment is usually a 60-day course of antibiotics. If anthrax spores get the right environment, such as the human body, they can grow into the harmful form of the bacteria that can cause anthrax disease. It takes anthrax spores an average of 7days to grow into the harmful form of the bacteria, but it can take longer. Spores can stay in the body for some time before they start growing and causing symptoms. When the spores are not growing, antibiotics are not effective. Only after the spores start to grow can the antibiotics work. Therefore, it is necessary to continue taking preventive antibiotics for 60days. Success of the treatment depends on the type of anthrax and how soon the treatment begins.

Vaccination against Anthrax- Vaccination can prevent the spread of anthrax and is available to military personnel and some members of the general public.

Types of vaccine-