Published Date:
10 February 2010
POLICE and health bosses are investigating after a heroin user died in Blackpool from anthrax.
Tests have confirmed the cause of death was the bacterial infection, which often occurs in wild and domestic animals.
Health bosses say it is the second anthrax case in England involving injected drugs. The first case was announced in London on Friday, the patient is in hospital receiving treatment.
Similar cases have been seen in Scotland since December, with 10 cases confirmed.
It is believed the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with heroin, is the likely source of infection.
Dr Arif Rajpura, director to public health for NHS Blackpool, said: "While public health investigations are ongoing, it must be assumed all heroin in the North West carries the risk of anthrax contamination.
"I urge all heroin-users to be extremely alert to the risks and to seek medical advice if they experience signs of infection."
More to follow
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Last Updated:
10 February 2010 4:02 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Blackpool
