Anthrax on skin vs. inhaled

SKIN: Anthrax is a serious disease that can affect bothanimals and humans. It is caused by bacteriacalled Bacillus anthracis. People can get anthraxfrom contact with infected animals, wool, meat, orhides. In its most common form, anthrax is a skindisease that causes skin ulcers and usually fever andfatigue. Up to 20% of these cases are fatal ifuntreated.

INHALED: When B. anthracis is inhaled, as when used as a biological weapon, it is much more serious. Thefirst symptoms may include a sore throat, mild feverand muscle aches. But within several days thesesymptoms are followed by severe breathingproblems, shock, and often meningitis (inflammationof the brain and spinal cord covering). Oncesymptoms appear, this form of anthrax is almostalways fatal, despite treatment with antibiotics.

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES