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CNN Saturday Morning News

Ask CNN: What are the Symptoms of Skin Anthrax?

Aired November 03, 2001 - 08:57   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: Susan Taylor from Orlando, Florida asks: "What exactly are the symptoms of skin anthrax?"

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Susan, skin anthrax, also known as cutaneous anthrax, is usually caused by the anthrax bacteria coming in contact with broken skin. The symptoms may start with a small bump on the skin. From there it might progress to a rash, and perhaps to an area of ulcerated or dead skin.

Some have confused cutaneous anthrax with a spider or tick bite. The diagnosis of cutaneous anthrax is made by demonstrating the presence of the anthrax bacteria in the skin through a biopsy. Cutaneous anthrax is very treatable with antibiotics. However, it can lead to death if not treated.

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