Anthrax is a corrupting disease dating back to ancient times and the spores can lie dormant for years, infecting animals. Dormant spores can germinate and multiply. Anthrax is associated with bioterrorism, due to the terrorist act in October 2001, when spores, which were inserted into letters and packages, were opened, inhaled and handled unknowingly. The US military believes anthrax is a future bioterrorism threat. Anthrax has already been used as a biological weapon against several other countries.
People can become infected with anthrax three ways:
* Through the skin (cutaneous)
* By ingestion (gastrointestinal)
* Inhalation (pulmonary)
Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form in humans. Exposure to the anthrax spores causes a sore on the skin. When the infection reaches the bloodstream, it is almost always terminal. But most moderate cases are successfully treated. Pulmonary anthrax comes from breathing the anthrax spores that can spread to the bloodstream, which can be fatal. Early symptoms are chest pains, followed by extreme breathing problems.
Eating anthrax contaminated meat usually produces mouth and throat sores and can be fatal. Intestinal anthrax symptoms include:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
* Abdominal pain
* Bloody diarrhea
* Fever
Anthrax meningitis is a type of anthrax that can spread through the nervous system to the brain. Anthrax is treated with antibiotics to help fight the infection and there are a number of antibiotics that are effective in fighting the infection, namely, Penicillin. Fortunately, early treatment of cutaneous anthrax usually results in recovery. Intestinal anthrax cases have less of a chance for recovery, and pulmonary anthrax has an eighty percent fatality rate.
The Lord Jesus Christ warned us about the terrible things that were to come before His return. Anthrax is only one of several deadly threats.
“There will be pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating) and there will be signs of terror.” (Luke 21:11)
“Signs of terror” The war against terrorism that we face is overwhelming and according to the Savior, (Matt.24) it will get much worse.
The ability to create weapons containing anthrax spores has made anthrax a chosen weapon of bioterrorism. With the power to put anthrax spores into weapons, terrorists could create a way to disperse the spores in a heavily populated area which would be inhaled. Anthrax spores, in a dry form, can remain active for several years once it’s released. Therefore, in the event of an attack of this type, decontamination would be extremely difficult.
This has some experts concerned that anthrax could be used as an agent of biological terrorism along with other deadly diseases such as bubonic plague. Scientists are studying past epidemics to try and understand the disease more fully.
The Lord Jesus Christ warned of the things that would take place near the time of His return and He told us to watch for them. “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass.”
Furthermore, there is much information concerning the terrible diseases and plagues, perhaps man-made (terrorists) that many will suffer towards the time of the Savior’s return. “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved.” (Matt. 24)
Anyone who has any kind of awareness at all can see the things that are happening worldwide. Anthrax is only a glimpse at what those who live to experience the great tribulation will have to endure. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.”
Go to Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit before it’s too late.
Anthrax evolves quickly. If you believe you have been exposed to anthrax, seek medical help immediately. More importantly, seek the protection of the Lord while the invitation is still open.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
“Behold I have told you before.”
Source:
http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=9#booklist
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anthrax/article_em.htm
