Inhalational 5 The spores of anthrax are very resistant to degradation due to environmental factors and can ususally survive for decaes in the soil. Inhalation of B.anthracis spores occur when they are first released into the air.
Secondary inhalation is unlikely to occur due the rapid binding of spores to soil.
Inhalational anthrax specifically affects the macrophages of the pulmonary system. The normal incubation period for inhalational anthrax is between 1 and 6 days with the longest documented incubation period of 43 days. Following the incubation period, two phases of symptoms will occur. The first phase presents similar to a common cold and includes fevers, headache, and mild chest discomfort. This phase is followed by a period of what seems to be improvement which after approximately two to three days results in phase two.