Several anthrax infections in injecting heroin users came to light in Scotland during December 2009. The cases were centred on Glasgow, but have since spread to other Scottish cities; six people have now died as a result of the infection. Other cases are presently in hospital, and though the outbreak is so far confined to Scotland, police and health services in Cumbria have issued warnings to heroin users about a suspected batch of contaminated heroin, which is believed to be the source.
Anthrax is an illness that is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis; it usually enters the body through a wound or broken skin, and cannot be passed from person to person through airborne contact. In these cases it appears to have been picked up by injecting contaminated street heroin. Anthrax can be fatal if not treated. If it is caught in time, however, the disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Symptoms may consist of severe redness and/or swelling at an injection site, fever and an intense flu-like illness. It is vital to seek urgent medical attention (from a GP or an Accident and Emergency unit) if you suspect you may have contracted anthrax.
The batch of heroin in question was probably either made or stored near animals, soil or faeces containing the bacteria. The conditions of production and transport of street heroin are not regulated by any governmental agency, and are consequently covered by no public health or quality controls. One result of this lack of regulation is that dangerous chemicals or infections periodically get into illegal drugs and result in death and illness.
The Heath Protection Agency last night issued a bulletin about the outbreak, which is available here.
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