In cutaneous anthrax, skin lesions quickly turn into blisters (vesicles) then form black scabs (eschars). These anthrax lesions show the transition from blisters to eschars. In cutaneous anthrax, a blister (vesicle or bulla) is the first skin lesion. This transient fluid-filled lesion quickly breaks, and then a black scab (eschar) develops at the center within days. This chest X-ray of a patient with inhalational anthrax shows a widened mediastinum (area at the center of the chest near the heart). This radiograph was taken 22 hours before death. Inhalational anthrax causes severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), cough, fever, muscle aches (myalgias), and headache. Gastrointestinal anthrax results in severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, high fever, and vomiting. This type of anthrax is nearly always fatal.
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Anthrax  Information for adults

Picture of Anthrax: In cutaneous anthrax, skin lesions quickly turn into blisters (vesicles) then form black scabs (eschars). These anthrax lesions show the transition from blisters to eschars. Divider line
In cutaneous anthrax, skin lesions quickly turn into blisters (vesicles) then form black scabs (eschars). These anthrax lesions show the transition from blisters to eschars.
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Who's At Risk
B. anthracis is a very rare bacterium, and it causes disease infrequently. It is present naturally in both wild and domestic animals and in soil, particularly where an infected animal has died or been killed. People in contact with infected animals are at higher risk of contracting anthrax; these people include:
  • Veterinarians
  • Meat processors
  • Animal shearers
  • Tanners
In the case of a bioterrorism attack, anyone exposed to B. anthracis is at risk of contracting anthrax. Other people at high risk include:
  • Postal workers
  • Lab workers in facilities with B. anthracis
  • Scientists studying B. anthracis
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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