What are the symptoms of the anthrax bacteria?
A. Symptoms of the anthrax disease vary depending on how the bacteria was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7 days. Cutaneous Most (about 95%) anthrax bacteria infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous ANTHRAX will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Inhalation: Initial anthrax symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalating the bacteria anthrax is usually fatal if not treated immediately w
