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 




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Cutaneous anthrax


Cutaneous anthrax
You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center.




 


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Cutaneous anthrax


Cutaneous anthrax
You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center.



 




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Cutaneous anthrax


Cutaneous anthrax
You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center.


 



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Cutaneous anthrax


Cutaneous anthrax
You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center.

 

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Cutaneous anthrax
You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center.
 Cutaneous anthrax You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center. You can contract anthrax when spores penetrate your skin, usually through an open wound. The infection begins as a raised, sometimes itchy, bump resembling an insect bite. But within a day or two, the bump develops into an open, usually painless sore with a black center. 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 




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Inhalation anthrax


Inhalation anthrax
This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body.




 


	    Inhalation anthrax
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	    Inhalation anthrax
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Inhalation anthrax


Inhalation anthrax
This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body.



 




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Inhalation anthrax


Inhalation anthrax
This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body.


 



Close



Inhalation anthrax


Inhalation anthrax
This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body.

 

Close

 
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 Close Inhalation anthrax  
Inhalation anthrax
This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body.
 Inhalation anthrax This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body. This illustration shows how the spores that cause inhalation anthrax — the most deadly form of anthrax infection — enter and affect the body. 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
