Anthrax: implementation guidance for clinicians

Overview

Anthrax is a serious zoonotic bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis. Without early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it can progress rapidly to life-threatening disease.

To address the challenges frequently faced in rural and vulnerable communities where anthrax remains a public health threat, this document offers practical, up-to-date clinical guidance for frontline healthcare workers, including those operating in resource-limited or emergency settings.

This guide focuses on naturally occurring anthrax, with emphasis on diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, post-exposure prophylaxis, and infection prevention and control measures. To support rapid application in the field, the document concludes with a poster that can serve as a job aid for clinicians, summarizing the key recommendations in an accessible format.