Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and deer. Humans can become infected with anthrax when spores get into the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. The symptoms of anthrax depend on the form of the disease and can include a raised, itchy bump resembling an insect bite, swelling in the sore and nearby lymph glands, flu-like symptoms, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and sepsis. The most common form of anthrax is cutaneous anthrax, which enters the body through the skin and is easily treated with antibiotics. Inhalation anthrax is the most serious form and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Anthrax spores can remain dormant for years until they find their way into a host, and common hosts for anthrax include wild or domestic livestock. Anthrax is very rare in the United States, and it is uncommon for people in the United States to get infected with anthrax. However, certain activities can increase a persons chances of getting infected, such as handling or dressing game animals, injecting illegal drugs, or working with anthrax in a lab. Anthrax is not contagious, so it cannot be spread from person to person. If a person thinks they may have been exposed to anthrax, they should see a doctor right away.