It is rare to find infected animals in the United States. Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7 days. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock.
Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Anthrax can be found globally. It is more common in developing countries or countries without veterinary public health programs. Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with inhalational anthrax. In countries where anthrax is common and vaccination levels of animal herds are low, humans should avoid contact with livestock and animal products and avoid eating meat that has not been properly slaughtered and cooked.