Symptoms:

Symptoms of anthrax differ depending on the type of anthrax.

Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax start 1 to 7 days after exposure:

• An itchy sore develops that is similar to an insect bite. This sore may blister and form a black ulcer (sore).
• The sore is usually painless, but it is often surrounded by swelling.
• A scab often forms, and then dries and falls off within 2 weeks. Complete healing can take longer.

Symptoms of inhalation anthrax:

• Begins with fever, malaise, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
• Fever and shock may occur later

Symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax usually occur within 1 week and may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Mouth sores
• Nausea and vomiting (the vomit may contain blood)

Signs and tests:

The tests to diagnose anthrax depend on the type of disease that is suspected.

A culture of the skin, and maybe a biopsy, are done on the skin sores. The sample is looked at under a microscope to identify the anthrax germ.

Tests may include:

• Blood culture
• Chest CT scan or chest x-ray
• Spinal tap to check for infection around the spinal column (See:CSF culture)
• Sputum culture

Fluid or blood samples may be sent to a special laboratory for more testing, including PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry.