You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to be able to view PDFs. Click here to download Acrobat Reader for free. Fever, malaise and fatigue may be present, sometimes in association with a nonproductive cough and mild chest discomfort. Shock and death usually follow with 24-36 hours after the onset of respiratory distress.
Physical findings are typically non-specific.
The chest X-ray may reveal a widened mediastinum. Pleural effusions may be seen late in the disease but typically in the absence of infiltrates. The spores are very stable and may remain viable for many years in soil and water. They will resist sunlight for varying periods. The bacteria will be detectable by Gram stain of the blood and by blood culture with routine media, but often not until late in the course of the illness.