Prognosis
Mortality rates have improved over the years with advancements in critical care. Prior to the 1960s, the mortality rate approached 90% for inhalation anthrax and 100% for anthrax meningitis. These days, even with treatment, the mortality rate varies from <2% for cutaneous anthrax to 45% for inhalation anthrax, and to 92% for anthrax meningitis. Mortality rates could be higher in a mass casualty event.[1]
A mortality rate of 20% has been reported in association with untreated cutaneous anthrax.[32] Fatalities are now unusual with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Little is known about potential long-term health effects of bioterrorism-related Bacillus anthracis infection. A total of 15 out of 16 adult survivors of the anthrax attacks of 2001 were evaluated at 1-year follow-up. Survivors reported significantly greater psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life compared with control populations.[74]
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