Public should stay informed of facts about anthrax

America has just overcome the initial panic over airplane hijackings after the disasters of Sept. 11; however, a new wave of panic is gripping society.

Over the past few days, bio-terrorism has become a topic of national fear. News reports concerning anthrax infections have been rampant, and several public figures' offices have been "attacked."

It is very important that the public is informed of the facts about the anthrax bacteria and does not add to a nationwide panic from ignorance.

The Facts

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease that usually occurs in farm animals of tropical regions.

It is a bacterium that can be found in the soil and in airborne spores. Humans can be infected with it through skin contact, inhalation and ingestion. It does not look to be communicable, can be vaccinated against and is treatable by antibiotics if diagnosed early in the course of infection.

Skin:

Ninety-five percent of all reported infections begin through cuts or skin abrasions from handling objects or materials with the spores of the bacterium on them. The symptoms are itchy bumps resembling mosquito bites which, several days later, become ulcers one to three centimeters in diameter containing a black area of dead skin in the center. Twenty percent of untreated skin infections are fatal.

Air:

Airborne infection is the most rare but also the most lethal form of the disease. Humans can inhale anthrax spores and can almost immediately become infected. The symptoms can initially resemble those of the common cold, but after several days, an infected person can experience severe breathing problems. If the infection is left untreated, it is usually fatal.

Ingestion:

Intestinal infection is caused by the consumption of foods contaminated with the bacteria. The symptoms include flu-like effects such as nausea and diarrhea initially, and then continues to severe abdominal pain and blood vomiting. Gastrointestinal anthrax infections are fatal in 25 to 60 percent of the cases.

What you can do

Do not be panicked

Even though the media seems to be finding outbreaks of anthrax all over the United States, most of them are false reports or hoaxes. Fortunately for us, Indiana is not much of a strategic site for bio-terrorism. Also, do not let public fear sucker you into buying some anthrax vaccine or antibiotic on the Internet. If you still wish to be vaccinated, contact the U.S. Army Surgeon Generals office at 1-877-GETVACC (1-877-438-8222) or at www.anthreax.osd.mil.

Be wary of your mail

The most evident form of bio-terrorism is through the mail. If you receive suspicious looking mail from people you do not know or with no return address, immediately contact local law enforcement and discontinue handling the suspect material.

If you think you are infected

Do not hesitate to go to the nearest emergency room and inform them of your symptoms and why you feel that anthrax may be the culprit. Anthrax infections can be treated if diagnosed early in its progression.

Otherwise, do not aid the bio-terrorists by adding to the public fear with gossip of rumors or "evidence" from "spam" emails. Your information should come from reliable news resources such as the major news networks and newspapers.

n Editorial Board: Keith Thomas, Tom McHenry, Erica Sagon, Matt Poston, John Wakefield, Shawn McGann.

Judicial system should not allow ludicrous complaints

Public should stay informed of facts about anthrax

Critic urges everyone to buy 'best album ever'

Students need to research topics before writing letters

'Gator Chomp' makes student feel at home

Band pays respect to American flag

OPINIONS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 256

Opinions editor:
Tom McHenry

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org