In the 20th century the use of a modern product (BioThrax) to protect American troops against the use of anthrax in biological warfare was controversial. Antibiotics
Preventive antibiotics are recommended in those who have been exposed. Early detection of sources of anthrax infection can allow preventive measures to be taken. In response to the anthrax attacks of October 2001, the United States Postal Service (USPS) installed biodetection systems (BDSs) in their large-scale mail processing facilities. BDS response plans were formulated by the USPS in conjunction with local responders including fire, police, hospitals, and public health. Employees of these facilities have been educated about anthrax, response actions, and prophylactic medication. Because of the time delay inherent in getting final verification that anthrax has been used, prophylactic antibiotic treatment of possibly exposed personnel must be started as soon as possible. Treatment
Anthrax cannot be spread from person to person, except in the rare case of skin exudates from cutaneous anthrax. However, a persons clothing and body may be contaminated with anthrax spores. Effective decontamination of people can be accomplished by a thorough wash-down with antimicrobial soap and water. Wastewater is treated with bleach or another antimicrobial agent. Effective decontamination of articles can be accomplished by boiling them in water for 30 minutes or longer. Chlorine bleach is ineffective in destroying spores and vegetative cells on surfaces, though formaldehyde is effective. Burning clothing is very effective in destroying spores.
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a type of mast cell activation disorder (MCAD), and is an immunological condition in which mast cells inappropriately and excessively release chemical mediators, resulting in a range of chronic symptoms, sometimes including anaphylaxis or near-anaphylaxis attacks. Primary symptoms include cardiovascular, dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory problems.Multiple diagnostic schemes for MCAS have been proposed, and the condition is increasingly over-diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Signs and symptoms
MCAS is a condition that affects multiple systems, generally in an inflammatory manner. Symptoms typically wax and wane over time, varying in severity and duration. Many signs and symptoms are the same as those for mastocytosis, because both conditions result in too many mediators released by mast cells. It has many overlapping characteristics with recurrent idiopathic anaphylaxis, although there are distinguishing symptoms, specifically hives and angioedema.Common symptoms include:
Dermatological
flushing
hives
easy bruising
either a reddish or a pale complexion
itchiness
burning feeling
dermatographism
Cardiovascular
lightheadedness, dizziness, presyncope, syncope, arrhythmia, tachycardia
Gastrointestinal
diarrhea and/or constipation, cramping, intestinal discomfort
nausea, vomiting, acid reflux
swallowing difficulty, throat tightness
Respiratory
congestion, coughing, wheezing
Anaphylaxis If too many mediators are released into a patients system, they may also experience anaphylaxis, which primarily includes: difficulty breathing, itchy hives, flushing or pale skin, feeling of warmth, weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and fainting. Causes
There are no known causes, but the condition appears to be inherited in some patients. Symptoms of MCAS are caused by excessive chemical mediators inappropriately released by mast cells. Mediators include leukotrienes, histamines, prostaglandin, and tryptase.