health
January 3, 2026
Healthy 18-year-old welder nearly died of anthrax—the 9th such puzzling case
“Welder’s Anthrax” was first coined in 2022, when seven cases had been identified.
TL;DR
- A ninth case of "welder's anthrax" was reported in September 2024 in an 18-year-old male metalworker in Louisiana.
- The infection is caused by bacteria in the Bacillus cereus group that produce anthrax toxins.
- Previous cases of welder's anthrax have a high fatality rate, with six out of eight prior cases being fatal.
- All nine identified cases have occurred in metalworkers, with six being welders and one a foundry worker grinding metal.
- Potential contributing factors include weakened immune responses from inhaling metal fumes, increased germ exposure, and iron overload in the respiratory system.
- Environmental sampling at the workplace of the latest case found anthrax-toxin-producing Bacillus.
- Cases have been reported in Louisiana and Texas, but experts suggest the disease may be underreported in Southern US states.
- Recommendations include improved use of respirators, ventilation, and dust control in workplaces.
- The Bacillus cereus group includes B. cereus and B. tropicus, with B. tropicus identified as the culprit in several cases.
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