You have been exposed to a powder that may be from anthrax. Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by anthrax bacteria. The bacteria make spores that live naturally in the soil. The spores stay inactive for years. They become active when they find a host. This is often wild animals or domestic livestock. You can pick up the bacteria after handling infected animals or animal products. If you breathe in the spores, the bacteria can enter your lungs. This is called inhalation anthrax. Anthrax can also cause an infection in the skin, stomach, and intestines (GI tract).
Inhalation anthrax is the most serious form of anthrax exposure. But this form can't be spread from person to person. And not everyone who has been exposed to the spores will get sick. If an infection occurs, symptoms often begin in 1 to 7 days. Symptoms may appear as late as 2 months after exposure.
Symptoms
Symptoms may feel like a cold or the flu at first. But after 1 to 3 days, the infection can quickly get worse. It can become severe and life-threatening. Symptoms include:
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Fever and chills
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Chest discomfort
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Shortness of breath
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Confusion or dizziness
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Cough
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Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains
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Headache
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Sweats
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Extreme exhaustion
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Soreness over entire body
You can't spread the inhalation form of anthrax to other people. There is often no need to examine and treat people who have been in contact with you. The decision to treat you with antibiotics will depend on the risk of the exposure and the time since that exposure.
Treatment for confirmed anthrax
If it's confirmed that you have been exposed to anthrax, try not to panic. The illness can be cured if correct treatment starts early after a confirmed exposure.
Your treatment will include medicines such as antibiotics and possibly antitoxins. Take medicines exactly as directed.
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Antibiotics. These are sometimes given by IV (intravenous) line. This is where medicine is given into a vein.
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Antitoxins. These medicines target toxins that are made by the anthrax spore.
You may need to stay in the hospital. And you may need to be on a breathing machine (ventilator). Your healthcare provider may drain fluid from your lungs and check you for bad infections.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
If a lab test on a sample of cells (culture) was done, you will be told if the treatment needs to be changed. You can call as advised for the results.
If X-rays or a CT scan were done, they will be reviewed by a specialist. They will tell you the results, especially if they affect treatment.
Call 911
Call
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Trouble breathing or swallowing
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Wheezing
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Trouble speaking
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Confusion
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Extreme drowsiness or trouble waking up
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Fainting or loss of consciousness
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Fast heart rate
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Low blood pressure
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Vomiting blood, or large amounts of blood in poop (stool)
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Seizure
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Chest pain
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur within 2 months of your exposure:
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Cold-like illness with a dry cough, sore throat, or muscle aches
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Weakness or dizziness
For the latest information, see the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/anthrax . Or contact your state public health department.
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
