Symptoms of anthrax differ depending on the type of anthrax.

Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax:

• Blister or ulcer that later forms a black scab
• Blister or ulcer is usually surrounded by a lot of swelling

Symptoms of inhalation anthrax:

• Begins with fever, malaise, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
• Shock may occur later

Symptoms of gastrointestinal anthrax usually develop within one week and can affect the mouth, esophagus, intestines, and colon. Symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting (the vomit may include blood)
• Anorexia
• Bloody diarrhea

The tests to diagnose anthrax depend on the type of disease suspected.

Tests may include:

• Culture of skin sore to test for cutaneous anthrax
• Chest x-ray
• Sputum culture
• Spinal tap to check your spinal fluid for infection (See:CSF culture)
• Gram stain (staining a sample of tissue and looking at it under a microscope for the bacteria that cause anthrax infection)

Tissue or fluid samples may be sent to a special lab for more detailed testing, including immunofluorescence.