Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Louisiana reported a rare case of welders anthrax in an 18-year-old male metalworker, marking the ninth such instance of the puzzling infectious disease. The case, detailed in a January 1 case study, occurred in September 2024 in Louisiana.

The young man, previously healthy with no underlying conditions or risk factors like 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 diagnosis to his occupation as a welders apprentice. For six months prior to the onset of his symptoms, he had been working in the shipbuilding and repair industry, performing shielded metal arc welding. Welders anthrax, a condition first described in 2022, is a rare form of anthrax that affects metalworkers.

The CDC is investigating the source of the infection and working to understand why these cases are occurring. 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 urging metalworkers experiencing respiratory symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and inform their doctors about their occupation. Further research is underway to determine the specific risks associated with welding and to develop preventative measures.