Breathing in the bacterial spores can lead to a rare, often-deadly form of anthrax known as pulmonary or inhalation anthrax that attacks the lungs and sometimes spreads to the brain: "Inhalation anthrax begins with flulike symptoms; such as, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and a shortness of breath."

"As early as one day after these initial symptoms appear, and as long as two weeks later, the symptoms can quickly get worse and cause bronchitis."

"A person can have difficulty breathing, and finally, the patient can enter a state of shock. This kind of anthrax is often fatal, even when it is treated within one or two days after the symptoms appear."