Is anthrax always fatal?

No: It can be treated with penicillin and other antibiotics. The pulmonary form of anthrax is the form most likely to be fatal.

No: Mortality rate for untreated cutaneous anthrax is 10 -20 percent but less than 1% with correct antibiotic tx. The mortality rate for inhalation anthrax is around 75% (50 - 90 %) even with antibiotic therapy. Mortality rate for gastrointestinal anthrax is about 50 % (25 -60%). Effect of early antibiotic tx is uncertain for gi. Meningitis due to anthrax is just about 100% fatal.