Symptoms

There are four common routes of anthrax infection, each with different signs and symptoms. In most cases, symptoms develop within six days of exposure to the bacteria. However, it's possible for inhalation anthrax symptoms to take more than six weeks to appear.

Cutaneous anthrax

A skin-related (cutaneous) anthrax infection enters your body through your skin, usually through a cut or other sore. It's by far the most common route of the disease. It's also the mildest. With appropriate treatment, cutaneous anthrax is seldom fatal. Signs and symptoms include:

• A raised, itchy bump resembling an insect bite that quickly develops into a painless sore with a black center
• Swelling in the sore and nearby lymph glands
• Sometimes, flu-like symptoms including fever and headache

Gastrointestinal anthrax

A gastrointestinal anthrax infection results from eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. It can affect your gastrointestinal tract from your throat to your colon. Signs and symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Severe, bloody diarrhea in the later stages of the disease
• Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
• Swollen neck

Inhalation anthrax

Inhalation anthrax develops when you breathe in anthrax spores. It's the most deadly form of the disease, and is often fatal, even with treatment. Initial signs and symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms for a few hours or days, such as sore throat, mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches
• Mild chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Coughing up blood
• Painful swallowing
• High fever
• Trouble breathing
• Shock — an acute medical condition involving collapse of the circulatory system
• Meningitis

Injection anthrax

This recently identified route of anthrax infection has so far been reported only in Europe. It's contracted through injecting illegal drugs. Initial signs and symptoms include:

• Redness at the area of injection (without an area that changes to black)
• Significant swelling
• Shock
• Multiple organ failure
• Meningitis

When to see a doctor

Many common illnesses start with symptoms that resemble the flu. The chances that your sore throat and aching muscles are due to anthrax are extremely small.

If you think you may have been exposed — for example, if you work in an environment where anthrax is likely to occur — see a doctor immediately for evaluation and care. If you develop signs and symptoms of the disorder after exposure to animals or animal products in parts of the world where anthrax is common, seek prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.