Once inhaled, a person will initially experience fever and a cough. Fatigue and weakness follow, accompanied by breathing difficulties. As the spores migrate to the lymph system, bacteria multiply, and the body begins to produce deadly toxins. Ultimately, inhalation of this biological germ will cause respiratory failure, shock and death. Symptoms can begin as early as 24 hours after breathing the spores.
Death comes within one week.
Under expected battlefield conditions, experts believe all it takes is one deep breath. To ensure complete effectiveness, military personnel must receive at least six shots. There have been no long term side effects from the vaccine. Bigham added that immunization is the safest, most effective way to provide protection against Anthrax. Functional protection is gained by most people after the first three doses, according to research at U.S. Army Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, based at Ft.