Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Louisiana reported a case of welders anthrax in an 18-year-old male metalworker, marking the ninth such instance of the rare and potentially fatal condition since it was first described in 2022. The case, documented in a January 1 case study, occurred in September 2024 in Louisiana.

The young man, who was otherwise healthy and had no known underlying health conditions or risk factors such as smoking, vaping, or heavy alcohol use, developed a cough and was admitted to an intensive care unit a week later with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. He required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Blood tests revealed the presence of a bacterium in the Bacillus cereus group, which includes the species that causes classic anthrax.

Doctors connected the infection to his occupation as a welders apprentice in the shipbuilding and repair industry, where he had been performing shielded metal arc welding for six months prior to the onset of his symptoms. Welders anthrax is a rare form of anthrax that is contracted through inhalation of Bacillus cereus bacteria.

The CDC and Louisiana health officials are investigating the source of the infection and are working to understand the risk factors associated with welders anthrax. Experts emphasize the importance of awareness among metalworkers and healthcare professionals. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

The patient's current condition was not disclosed in the report. Health officials are expected to release further guidelines and recommendations for preventing welders anthrax in the coming weeks.