This file will print on 8.5 x 14 inch paper. Biological weapons are maintained by several potential adversaries. Use of these weapons could cause widespread death among unprotected U.S. forces. It is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis . Once common where livestock were raised, it is now controlled through animal vaccination programs in the U.S. and other countries.
Inhalational anthrax is the disease that results from breathing in anthrax spores.
Under expected battlefield conditions, experts believe you can inhale in one deep breath enough anthrax spores to kill you. Symptoms of inhalational anthrax can begin as early as 24 hours after breathing the spores. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, and weakness. These ultimately progress to breathing problems, shock, and death. Vaccines prevent illness by stimulating the body s natural disease-fighting abilities.