Epidemiological Investigation of an Inhalational Anthrax Patient Traveling for Medical Treatment in Beijing Municipality, China, August 2021

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Inhalational anthrax, also known as pulmonary anthrax, is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The patients are usually infected by inhaling aerosolized B. anthracis spores from dead animals or animal products. Compared to cutaneous anthrax, inhalational anthrax is rare and deadly and few cases in China were reported. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This report covers all information of clinical features, laboratory testing, and epidemiological characteristics as well as exposure history of a recent primary inhalational anthrax patient who was seeking medical treatment in Beijing Municipality in August 2021. New laboratory techniques, including second-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid test for serum antibody, played an important role in the process. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? The information provided in this report, including the correct sample type, epidemiological investigation details, and application of the new diagnostic criteria of anthrax, could assist public health professionals in dealing with anthrax epidemics.