Index Case of Fatal Inhalational Anthrax Due to Bioterrorism in the United States

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, has been postulated to be a likely agent of biological warfare or terrorism because of its physical properties and its virulence factors. Several countries have been known to have biologic-weapons programs that were focusing on B. anthracis for potential military use. However, fatal anthrax had not been encountered in the United States as a weapon in an act of war or terror until the index case we report was recognized¹.