Anthrax Symptoms

Anthrax symptoms can vary depending on how the bacteria enter the body and often (though not always) appear within 7 days of contact with the anthrax bacteria. The first cutaneous anthrax symptom is a small, raised sore that resembles an insect bite, but within days develops into a blister. Some gastrointestinal anthrax symptoms can include nausea, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting blood. Inhalation anthrax symptoms can range from cold or flu symptoms to chest discomfort, and severe breathing problems.

 

Anthrax Symptoms: An Overview

Anthrax symptoms vary depending on the type of anthrax (see Types of Anthrax).
 
For all three types, anthrax symptoms can appear within 7 days of coming in contact with the anthrax bacteria (Bacillus anthracis). For inhalation anthrax (also known as pulmonary anthrax), anthrax symptoms can appear within a week or can take up to 42 days to appear.
 

Cutaneous Anthrax Symptoms

The first cutaneous anthrax symptom is a small raised sore that resembles an insect bite, but within days develops into a blister. The blister then develops into a skin ulcer with a black area in the center. The sore, blister, and ulcer do not hurt (see Anthrax Pictures).
 
Swollen lymph nodes may also occur.
 
About 20 percent of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare when appropriate anthrax treatment is administered.
 

Gastrointestinal Anthrax Symptoms

Gastrointestinal anthrax symptoms can include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Bad stomach pain
  • Vomiting blood.
     
Gastrointestinal anthrax results in death in 25 to 60 percent of cases.
 
(Anthrax Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD