First Aid & Emergencies

Anthrax Treatment

Early symptoms depend on the type of exposure:

• Cutaneous (skin) anthrax can show up immediately as an itchy bump that turns into a sore and then a painless ulcer with a black center.
• Digestive anthrax symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and stomach pain.
• Inhaled anthrax symptoms are similar to flu and can include fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, and fatigue.

1. See a Health Care Provider Immediately

2. Follow Up

Once you see a health care provider, the next steps depend on the particular case.

• If the person has been exposed to anthrax but doesn't have symptoms, a health care provider will give an anthrax vaccine and prescribe antibiotics.

• If the person has developed symptoms, the health care provider will prescribe antibiotics.

• If the anthrax case is serious, the person will be hospitalized.

• If you have any reason to believe that anthrax exposure is linked to foul play, contact local law enforcement immediately.