Investigation and Response to the First Case of Inhalational Anthrax Caused by Inhaling Wind-Blown Dust Containing Bacillus anthracis Spores - Kaifeng City, Henan Province, China, 2026.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Inhaling Bacillus anthracis spore-laden dust or aerosols can cause inhalational anthrax; such direct-inhalation infection is uncommon and usually affects people who handle diseased animals or animal products.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: On May 2, 2026, a Beijing hospital reported confirmed inhalational anthrax in a Kaifeng resident. Exposure to a previously contaminated environment was the probable route of infection, and targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) was key to the diagnosis.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: This report offers a reference for investigating and managing inhalational anthrax in patients without a clear occupational or exposure history; for conditions that resist rapid diagnosis, tNGS may aid preliminary diagnosis.