Guest guest Posted April 6, 1999 Report Share Posted April 6, 1999 I found this site today and couldn't believe what they are saying about anthrax and they also provide a feedback form lets use it OK http://www.aomc.org/ComDiseases/Anthrax.html Anthrax (malignant edema, woolsorters' disease) What is anthrax? 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 man. Anthrax spores can be produced in a dry form (for biological warfare ) which may be stored and ground into particles. When inhaled by humans, these particles cause respiratory failure and death within a week. Why has anthrax become a current issue? Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced that it will begin systematic vaccination of all U.S. military personnel. Who gets anthrax? Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals. These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products (industrial anthrax) from other countries where anthrax is more common may become infected with B. anthracis. Anthrax in animals rarely occurs in the United States. Most reports of animal infection are received from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Dakota. How is anthrax transmitted? Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling animal products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States. What are the symptoms of anthrax? Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within seven days. Cutaneous: Most anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax usually results in death in 1-2 days after onset of the acute symptoms. Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases. How soon after infection do symptoms appear? The incubation period is usually within seven days. When and for how long is a person able to spread anthrax? There are no reports of the disease spreading from human to human. Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax most likely does not occur. Does past infection with anthrax make a person immune? A second attack with this disease is unlikely. What is the treatment for anthrax? Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. Usually penicillin is preferred, but erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol can also be used. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. What can be the effect of not being treated for anthrax? The disease could be fatal in untreated cases. Where is anthrax usually found? Although anthrax can be found globally, it is more often a risk in countries with less standardized and effective public health programs. Areas currently listed as high risk are South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. What can be done to prevent the spread of anthrax? Anthrax vaccine is available for people in high-risk occupations. To prevent anthrax, carefully handle dead animals suspected of having anthrax; provide good ventilation when processing hides, fur, hair or wool; and vaccinate animals. In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds is low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products, and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked. For high risk occupations, such as those exposed to potentially contaminated animal hair, wool or hides, vaccination is recommended. An anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against cutaneous anthrax. What is the anthrax vaccine? The anthrax vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, which means it uses dead bacteria as opposed to live bacteria. Anthrax vaccine is indicated for individuals who come in contact in the workplace with imported animal hides, furs, bonemeat, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair), and bristles; and for individuals engaged in diagnostic or investigational activities which may bring them into contact with anthrax spores. The anthrax vaccine was developed and is manufactured and distributed by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute, Lansing, Michigan The vaccine is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-licensed and has been routinely given in the US since 1970. What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination? The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given two weeks apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are required to maintain immunity. Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine? Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight tenderness and redness at the injection site. A moderate local reaction can occur if the vaccine is given to anyone with a past history of anthrax infection. Severe local reactions are very infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in addition to the local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients and are characterized by flu-like symptoms. The most common side effects reported are: mild discomfort (localized swelling and redness at the site of injection), joint aches, and in a few cases, nausea, loss of appetite, and headaches. Are there any long term side effects? There have been no long term side effects from the vaccine. Should everyone get vaccinated against anthrax? Anthrax vaccine is indicated for individuals who come in contact in the workplace with imported animal hides, furs, bonemeat, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair), and bristles; and for individuals engaged in diagnostic or investigational activities which may bring them into contact with anthrax spores. The vaccine should only be administered to healthy men and women from 18 to 65 years of age since investigations to date have been conducted exclusively in that population. Because it is not known whether the anthrax vaccine can cause fetal harm, pregnant women should not be vaccinated. With the new DOD vaccination program, is anthrax vaccine available to the civilian population? Small quantities are made available as needed to civilians who are exposed to anthrax hazards in their work environment such as veterinarians, lab workers and others. Anthrax vaccine is produced exclusively by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute under contract to the Defense Department. Virtually all vaccine produced is earmarked for military use in recognition of the documented threat to military personnel. How is anthrax diagnosed? Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of suspected cases. Is there a treatment for anthrax? Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. Usually, penicillin is preferred, but erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol can also be used. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. Where can I get more information about the Department of Defense decision to require men and women in the Armed Services to be vaccinated against anthrax? The Department of Defense recommends servicemen and women contact their chain of command with questions about the vaccine and its distribution. Members of the Armed Services can find additional information at the DOD Anthrax Vaccination Program site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 1999 Report Share Posted April 6, 1999 I found this site today and couldn't believe what they are saying about anthrax and they also provide a feedback form lets use it OK http://www.aomc.org/ComDiseases/Anthrax.html Anthrax (malignant edema, woolsorters' disease) What is anthrax? 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 man. Anthrax spores can be produced in a dry form (for biological warfare ) which may be stored and ground into particles. When inhaled by humans, these particles cause respiratory failure and death within a week. Why has anthrax become a current issue? Because anthrax is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced that it will begin systematic vaccination of all U.S. military personnel. Who gets anthrax? Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals. These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products (industrial anthrax) from other countries where anthrax is more common may become infected with B. anthracis. Anthrax in animals rarely occurs in the United States. Most reports of animal infection are received from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Dakota. How is anthrax transmitted? Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling animal products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States. What are the symptoms of anthrax? Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within seven days. Cutaneous: Most anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax usually results in death in 1-2 days after onset of the acute symptoms. Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases. How soon after infection do symptoms appear? The incubation period is usually within seven days. When and for how long is a person able to spread anthrax? There are no reports of the disease spreading from human to human. Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax most likely does not occur. Does past infection with anthrax make a person immune? A second attack with this disease is unlikely. What is the treatment for anthrax? Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. Usually penicillin is preferred, but erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol can also be used. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. What can be the effect of not being treated for anthrax? The disease could be fatal in untreated cases. Where is anthrax usually found? Although anthrax can be found globally, it is more often a risk in countries with less standardized and effective public health programs. Areas currently listed as high risk are South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. What can be done to prevent the spread of anthrax? Anthrax vaccine is available for people in high-risk occupations. To prevent anthrax, carefully handle dead animals suspected of having anthrax; provide good ventilation when processing hides, fur, hair or wool; and vaccinate animals. In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds is low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products, and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked. For high risk occupations, such as those exposed to potentially contaminated animal hair, wool or hides, vaccination is recommended. An anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against cutaneous anthrax. What is the anthrax vaccine? The anthrax vaccine is a cell-free filtrate vaccine, which means it uses dead bacteria as opposed to live bacteria. Anthrax vaccine is indicated for individuals who come in contact in the workplace with imported animal hides, furs, bonemeat, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair), and bristles; and for individuals engaged in diagnostic or investigational activities which may bring them into contact with anthrax spores. The anthrax vaccine was developed and is manufactured and distributed by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute, Lansing, Michigan The vaccine is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-licensed and has been routinely given in the US since 1970. What is the protocol for anthrax vaccination? The immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections given two weeks apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections given at 6, 12, and 18 months. Annual booster injections of the vaccine are required to maintain immunity. Are there adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine? Mild local reactions occur in 30% of recipients and consist of slight tenderness and redness at the injection site. A moderate local reaction can occur if the vaccine is given to anyone with a past history of anthrax infection. Severe local reactions are very infrequent and consist of extensive swelling of the forearm in addition to the local reaction. Systemic reactions occur in fewer than 0.2% of recipients and are characterized by flu-like symptoms. The most common side effects reported are: mild discomfort (localized swelling and redness at the site of injection), joint aches, and in a few cases, nausea, loss of appetite, and headaches. Are there any long term side effects? There have been no long term side effects from the vaccine. Should everyone get vaccinated against anthrax? Anthrax vaccine is indicated for individuals who come in contact in the workplace with imported animal hides, furs, bonemeat, wool, animal hair (especially goat hair), and bristles; and for individuals engaged in diagnostic or investigational activities which may bring them into contact with anthrax spores. The vaccine should only be administered to healthy men and women from 18 to 65 years of age since investigations to date have been conducted exclusively in that population. Because it is not known whether the anthrax vaccine can cause fetal harm, pregnant women should not be vaccinated. With the new DOD vaccination program, is anthrax vaccine available to the civilian population? Small quantities are made available as needed to civilians who are exposed to anthrax hazards in their work environment such as veterinarians, lab workers and others. Anthrax vaccine is produced exclusively by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute under contract to the Defense Department. Virtually all vaccine produced is earmarked for military use in recognition of the documented threat to military personnel. How is anthrax diagnosed? Anthrax is diagnosed by isolating B. anthracis from the blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of suspected cases. Is there a treatment for anthrax? Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. Usually, penicillin is preferred, but erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol can also be used. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. Where can I get more information about the Department of Defense decision to require men and women in the Armed Services to be vaccinated against anthrax? The Department of Defense recommends servicemen and women contact their chain of command with questions about the vaccine and its distribution. Members of the Armed Services can find additional information at the DOD Anthrax Vaccination Program site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 1999 Report Share Posted April 6, 1999 In a message dated 4/6/99 10:46:31 PM Mountain Daylight Time, Madams4314@... writes: << In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds is low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products, and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked >> Will ask the gulf war troops were we briefed re to not eat stuff off local economy?????? << The anthrax vaccine was developed and is manufactured and distributed by the Michigan Biologic Products Institute, Lansing, Michigan >> Okay how is it made step by step and what products are used??? any blood byproducts? that could have problems? << Because it is not known whether the anthrax vaccine can cause fetal harm, pregnant women should not be vaccinated. >> How about nursing mothers? How about effect on sperm for males Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 1999 Report Share Posted April 6, 1999 In a message dated 4/6/99 10:46:31 PM Mountain Daylight Time, Madams4314@... writes: << When and for how long is a person able to spread anthrax? There are no reports of the disease spreading from human to human. Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax most likely does not occur. >> Hmm used it all these years in test labs with animals....do animals show spread to other animals. In a message dated 4/6/99 10:46:31 PM Mountain Daylight Time, Madams4314@... writes: << Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. >> Okay Again our troops have come home from the gulf war with diarrhea and bloody discharges and yet they still have this 7 years later with no treatment...How many have been tested for anthrax???? << occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years and >> Okay Saudi and Iraq have this disease then why wasnt our equipment tents and stuff isolated when brought back to US and overseas bases?????? After the gulf war???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 1999 Report Share Posted April 14, 1999 TO ALL CONCERNED -- With the new evidence finally exposed in the May 1999 issue of Vanity Fair that the DoD may have modified the anthrax vaccine with the adjuvant squalene, a highly toxic substance when injected, the current situation has dramatically changed. If the allegations are true, then the vaccine may very well be considered experimental and the DoD's failure to obtain voluntary consent from our servicemen and civilian contractors/employees constitutes a violation of the Nuremberg Code. It is time to now seriously spread the word throughout the military branches of service and to the families of our servicemen that a concerted and organized effort must be initiated to stop the vaccination program. Your help is therefore urgently needed. I am actively planning on filing two lawsuits that would pertain to the anthrax vaccination program. (1) A class action injunction against the DoD that would seek to immediately cause the cessation of the vaccination program. This action would likely be brought on behalf of any active duty member, reservist or civilian who is facing having to take a shot (whether the first or sixth, does not matter). Thus, this action would include those who have refused the shot and those who have received the shot. No one - including officers (and even Generals/Admirals) - should be concerned about negative repercussions by openly participating in such an action; (2) A class action tort case against - perhaps - the DoD, BioPort and the State of Michigan for any injuries that have occurred as a result of having to take the vaccine (whether now, during Desert Shield/Desert Storm or any other time). This action would likely be brought on behalf of anyone who has taken the vaccine (active duty, reserve or civilian) and perhaps family members (spouses, children born after the parent took the vaccine, and maybe parents and siblings). As many of you know, I am a solo practitioner and also serve as the Executive Director of The Madison Project, a non-profit organization that handles cases involving national security, intelligence and government accountability. Although I have litigated quite a few significant high profile cases (such as civil actions against the Governments of Libya and Georgia for the bombing of Pan Am 103 and the drunk-driving death of a young girl in D.C., respectively, and against various U.S. government agencies including the DoD, CIA, NSA, DOJ, DOS, FBI, etc), these two actions will entail a huge undertaking. Therefore I am seeking to recruit a large law firm to serve as co-counsel with me. Otherwise I may not be able to handle the cases by myself. Although individual attorneys who may agree to assist such an effort may share my motivation and strong belief that the DoD's actions are egregious and unlawful, the decision by a large law firm as to whether it should agree to join forces is very often motivated by prospective financial gain. This is understandable and a factor of the profession. Class action lawsuits can become extremely expensive and there is a risk of loss, particularly when suing the federal government. Two things will better enable me to attract a top notch law firm to help us: clients and money to defray the cost of expenses. Please note that I am not looking for anyone to send me money at this time. What I want to know is the following: (1) Who wants to be represented by my office in pursuing one or both of the actions described above? If you do, please send me your name, mailing address and military affiliation (if any - branch of service, ship, base, rank, etc). This is for a preliminary count only. No obligation is imposed upon you by providing this information. Nor can any adverse consequences occur by informing me of your intention to participate in any proposed lawsuit. The more people who are willing to openly put their name on the action, the better it will look to the American people and the Congress; (2) Can you - will you - contribute a financial pledge? If we can get donations of $5,000, $2,500, or even $1,000 from as many people as possible, this will go a long way to bringing in a top notch law firm to help. At the very least, it will enable me to hire a law firm to work with me and file the injunction. The class action itself is actually simple. I have already filed two class actions (against the Government of Libya and the Library of Congress) and I can easily file another one. It is the potential expenses that cause a problem (expert witnesses, depositions, scientific tests, proving damages, legal research, etc). If we even get 200 people to contribute $500 each, that would raise $100,000. With that amount, I could easily file these lawsuits. The health of our servicemembers, DoD civilian contractors/employees and their families are potentially at stake. I need each of you to pledge a donation and to try and get others to pledge as well. Again, I am not seeking any money at this time. A pledge now does not obligate you to pay anything later. I am merely trying to ascertain the level of devotion that people are willing to make. I can then tell prospective law firms that they can count on defraying at least part of the up-front expenses. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me. The easiest way is to do so via e-mail. It is difficult for me, both in time and costs, to speak with everyone by telephone. If anyone wants to know more about my background, I will be happy to e-mail you my detailed CV. Please forward this message to as many people as you can that may have an interest in stopping the anthrax vaccination program. Thanks for your commitment! Mark S. Zaid, Esq. Executive Director The Madison Project Washington, D.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 1999 Report Share Posted June 29, 1999 Anthrax as a biological weapon: medical and public health management. Working Group on Civilian Biodefense. Inglesby TV, DA, Bartlett JG, Ascher MS, Eitzen E, Friedlander AM, Hauer J, McDade J, Osterholm MT, O'Toole T, G, Perl TM, PK, Tonat K The Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies, School of Medicine, s Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA. tvi@... OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus-based recommendations for measures to be taken by medical and public health professionals following the use of anthrax as a biological weapon against a civilian population. PARTICIPANTS: The working group included 21 representatives from staff of major academic medical centers and research, government, military, public health, and emergency management institutions and agencies. EVIDENCE: MEDLINE databases were searched from January 1966 to April 1998, using the Medical Subject Headings anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, biological weapon, biological terrorism, biological warfare, and biowarfare. Review of references identified by this search led to identification of relevant references published prior to 1966. In addition, participants identified other unpublished references and sources. CONSENSUS PROCESS: The first draft of the consensus statement was a synthesis of information obtained in the formal evidence-gathering process. Members of the working group provided formal written comments which were incorporated into the second draft of the statement. The working group reviewed the second draft on June 12, 1998. No significant disagreements existed and comments were incorporated into a third draft. The fourth and final statement incorporates all relevant evidence obtained by the literature search in conjunction with final consensus recommendations supported by all working group members. CONCLUSIONS: Specific consensus recommendations are made regarding the diagnosis of anthrax, indications for vaccination, therapy for those exposed, postexposure prophylaxis, decontamination of the environment, and additional research needs. Publication Types: a.. Consensus development conference b.. Guideline c.. Review PMID: 10328075, UI: 99258627 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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