Anthrax: A Primer

Probably the most dangerous form of anthrax is pulmonary anthrax, or Woolsorter's Disease, contracted when the endospores are inhaled. After 1 to 5 days of nonspecific malaise, mild fever, and nonproductive cough, progressive respiratory distress and cyanosis develop with massive edema of the neck and chest. If untreated, progression to a fatal outcome is usually very rapid once edema has developed.

Until 2001, no case of pulmonary anthrax had been reported in the United States since 1978.

A gastrointestinal form of anthrax results from ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked meat containing the endospores.

Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur. Communicability is not a concern in managing or visiting with patients with inhalational anthrax.