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What is anthrax?
Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis , which is housed in a hardy spore. The disease usually affects livestock, but — as the world has become fully aware — it also infects humans. A naturally occurring disease known since biblical times, anthrax has recently become a biological weapon of concern.
Anthrax occurs in three forms:
Cutaneous anthrax. This form infects the skin, causing a sore with a black center. It occurs when a cut, blister or other skin wound comes into contact with anthrax spores. Left untreated, up to 20 percent of cases of cutaneous anthrax progress to a dangerous bloodstream infection called septicemia, which can be fatal.
Intestinal anthrax. You can contract this form by consuming meat from an infected animal. About 25 percent to 60 percent of untreated cases of intestinal anthrax result in death.
Inhalation anthrax. This most deadly form of the disease occurs when you inhale enough anthrax spores to infect......

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