A Closer Look at Amerithrax by Rochester Institute of Technology

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. One week after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to several news media outlets and US Congress officials. The 2001 Anthrax attacks, also known as Amerithrax, killed five Americans and infected 17 others in what became the worst act of bioterrorism in US history. The public health and law enforcement investigations led to impactful scientific advances and strengthened the government's efforts in preparing for and preventing future biological attacks.

Focusing on the biology of anthrax infection and epidemiologic timeline of cases, my infographic blends data visualization, 3D modelling, molecular visualization, and medical illustration to tell a visual scientific story about Amerithrax.