Types of Anthrax
The type of illness a person develops depends on how anthrax enters the body. Typically, anthrax gets into the body through the skin, lungs, or gastrointestinal system. All types of anthrax can eventually spread throughout the body and cause death if they are not treated with antibiotics.
Quick Facts
Cutaneous:
Most common form of anthrax infection, and is considered to be the least dangerous.
Infection usually develops from 1 to 7 days after exposure.
Inhalation:
Inhalation anthrax is considered to be the most deadly form of anthrax.
Infection usually develops within a week after exposure, but it can take up to 2 months
Gastointestinal:
Gastrointestinal anthrax has rarely been reported in the United States.
Infection usually develops from 1 to 7 days after exposure.
Injection:
This type of infection has never been reported in the United States.
- Page last reviewed: July 21, 2014
- Page last updated: July 21, 2014
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