What symptom indicates the fulminant stage of inhalation anthrax?

The fulminant stage of inhalation anthrax is characterized by severe and acute symptoms due to the rapid progression of the infection. Mediastinitis, which is inflammation of the mediastinum, occurs as a direct consequence of the severe spread of the infection. In inhalation anthrax, bacteria can proliferate quickly and produce toxins that lead to a dramatic inflammatory response. This can result in significant thoracic complications, including mediastinitis, which is a critical condition signaling the severity of the infection.

In contrast, while fever, dry cough, and mild chest pain can appear in earlier stages of inhalation anthrax, they do not indicate the fulminant stage in the same way that mediastinitis does. The presence of mediastinitis often suggests that the infection has progressed to a more severe crisis point where comprehensive medical intervention is necessary. Therefore, the indication of mediastinitis is a key symptom that points towards the critical nature of the illness at this stage.