Inhalational anthrax fact sheet

After an average incubation period of 1-7 days (up to 60 days) the onset of inhalation anthrax is gradual and nonspecific. Fever, malaise and fatigue may be present, sometimes in association with a nonproductive cough and mild chest discomfort or gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. These initial symptoms are often followed by a short period of improvement (hours to 2-3 days), followed by the abrupt development of severe respiratory distress with dyspnea, diaphoresis, stridor and cyanosis. 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.

Causative agent

Bacillus anthracis: The causative agent of anthrax is a rod-shaped, gram-positive, sporulating organism with the spores constituting the usual infective form. 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.