Disease: Anthrax
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

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.

Close 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.  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

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.  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