By Michela Baccini, Samantha Cook, Constantine E. Frangakis, Fan Li, Fabrizia Mealli, Donald B. Rubin, and Elizabeth R. Zell

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, can be a highly lethal acute disease in humans and animals. Prior to the 20th century, it led to thousands of deaths each year. Anthrax infection became extremely rare in the United States in the 20th century, thanks to extensive animal vaccination and anthrax eradication programs. The 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States drew this formidable disease back into the public spotlight.

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