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Cyfendus for Postexposure Prophylaxis after Inhalation Anthrax Exposures in Wyoming
Courtney Tillman1, Brittney N Waranius1,2, Clayton Van Houten1
1Wyoming Department of Health, Cheyenne.
NEJM Evidence
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Anthrax outbreaks in U.S. livestock can lead to human exposure. This report details post-exposure prophylaxis for 13 individuals following a cattle anthrax outbreak in Wyoming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Anthrax, caused by *Bacillus anthracis*, is a zoonotic disease with potential for severe human illness.
- While rare in the U.S., anthrax outbreaks frequently occur in livestock populations.
- A cattle anthrax outbreak in Wyoming in August 2024 led to human exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the management of individuals exposed to anthrax.
- To report on the administration of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a human exposure scenario.
Main Methods:
- Identification of 13 individuals with potential exposure to anthrax.
- Administration and monitoring of postexposure prophylaxis in the identified individuals.
Main Results:
- All 13 exposed individuals received postexposure prophylaxis.
- No adverse events were reported in the context of prophylaxis administration (details not provided in abstract).
Conclusions:
- Prompt postexposure prophylaxis is crucial for managing human exposures following livestock anthrax outbreaks.
- Effective public health and veterinary collaboration is essential for controlling zoonotic disease transmission.
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