ypes and Symptoms
There are three types of anthrax. The most common case of anthrax in humans is cutaneous anthrax . This
form of anthrax is acquired through the skin, from a cut or abrasion. The anthrax spores then enter the wound
from the soil or an infected animal body. A swollen, itchy bump will form on an area of the skin and, over a
period of few days of swelling, a black scab will form in the center of the bump. The name anthracis is derivative
of the Greek word for coal because of this black scab that it leaves on the skin. In extreme cases the bloodstream
is invaded and the disease becomes, most likely, fatal.
Another form of the disease is gastrointestinal anthrax. This form of anthrax is similar to cutaneous anthrax
in the way that it probably infects the body through an already existing intestinal lesion. It occurs when a person
ingests unproperly cooked meat of an animal that was infected or drinks contaminated water. The bacteria spread from the lesion to the lymphatic system. The symptoms are fever, severe stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, sore
throat, tongue sores, and bloody diarrhea. Although rare, this form of anthrax has an enormously high mortality
rate.
The third, and most deadly form of anthrax, is inhalation anthrax. This is the anthrax most are familiar with due
to the mass of packages received throughout the US containing anthrax spores in a white powder. This form of
anthrax is most commonly acquired by inhaling anthrax spores contained in dust where animal hair and hides are
being handled. This is how it gets its alternate name, 'woolsorters' disease'. It starts suddenly with what appears
to be flu-like symptoms, fever, chest pains, sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle ache, fatigue, restricted
breathing, and sometimes, shock. The person could improve in condition after a few days, but germs multiply
and toxins are released and the victim could die days later. Patients who survive need to be put on extended
antibiotic treatment to kill all the spores and bacteria.