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Anthrax
Anthrax - Symptoms
Symptoms of Anthrax
Depending on the type contracted, the signs and symptoms of anthrax will differ. Symptoms usually become evident one to six days after exposure.
Symptoms of Cutaneous Anthrax:- Development of a sore that looks like an insect bite – a red-brown raised spot
- Sores develops on the hands or arms and in less common cases - the head and the face
- Over time the sore will blister and harden and form a black ulcer
- The sore itself is painless but the surrounding area may get swollen
- After two weeks, a scab will form on the sore and fall off when dried
- If the sore occurs on the neck, the swelling around it could affect breathing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscles aches and pains
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms of Inhalational Anthrax:- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Respiratory distress
- Rapid breathing
- A Blue color to the skin
- Excessive sweating
- Malaise
- Chest pain (almost similar to a heart attack)
- Shock caused by internal infection
- Coma
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Anthrax:
Symptoms usually set in within a week of exposure
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the stools
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sores in the mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting blood
Other types of anthrax and their respective symptoms include:
- Oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) Anthrax: Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- Septicemic (bloodstream) Anthrax: Develops as a complication of inhalational anthrax and is characterized by a severe infection of the organs and internal bleeding.
- Anthrax Meningitis: The infection in this type of anthrax spreads to the brain and through the central nervous system.