Fifth fatality in England from anthrax due to contaminated heroin

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported the death of a person who injected heroin, who was diagnosed with anthrax infection. This brings the total number affected in the UK to seven - five in England (including four fatalities), one in Scotland and one in Wales. The source is presumed to be contaminated heroin.   Health professionals across the East of England have been reminded of the possibility of cases of anthrax in people who inject heroin. Targeted information, including posters and leaflets aimed at heroin users have been sent out by the National Treatment Agency to local drug partnerships for distribution to all organisations in touch with drug users. These include hostels, housing departments, needle exchanges, benefit offices, community pharmacies and social work departments.
Source: NeLM - Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news