Inhalation anthrax will begin with nonspecific symptoms of fever, malaise, and fatigue. A nonproductive cough and vague chest discomfort may be present. These initial symptoms may be followed by a short period of symptomatic improvement, hours to 3 days in duration. This will be followed by an acute phase, including the abrupt onset of severe respiratory distress with dyspnea, stridor, diaphoresis, and cyanosis. Oropharyngeal or GI anthrax can occur following ingestion of food contaminated with anthrax spores.
Most acute cases progress to septic shock and death.
Also, septic shock and death may follow these symptoms. The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.