2010-03-11 09:57:35 - Epidemic Hazard - United Kingdom EDIS CODE: EH-20100311-25283-GBR
Date & Time: 2010-03-11 09:57:35 [UTC]
Area: United Kingdom, Scotland, , Dumfries Number of Infected person(s): 2
Not confirmed information! Description: Another two heroin addicts from Dumfries are being treated in hospital for anthrax. A man and woman, both in their thirties, are the latest victims of an outbreak that has so far killed 10 drug users in Scotland. The man was admitted to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on February 28 and the woman admitted on March 5. The region’s first anthrax victim, a 44-year-old Dumfries man, has been receiving treatment in hospital for almost a month. Hugh Robertson, of the region’s Integrated Drugs Service, said similarities to the 26 other confirmed cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent, is the likely source. He said: “The 44-year-old male victim and the 31-year-old female victim are known to the Integrated Drugs Service. At some point in the past they have been in treatment for their drug use.” Anthrax, which is a bacterial disease affecting animals and, in rare cases, humans, is generally fatal. Mr Robertson says it may claim more victims. “Obviously I hope it does not affect anybody else from Dumfries and Galloway or the rest of the country but you never know. “This is the third case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in Dumfries since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009 and it wouldn’t surprise me if more cases were identified.” Several heroin users have already contacted the drugs service which helps addicts kick the habit. “We usually deal with around three to four referrals a week. However we are now experiencing around ten a week which has been brought on by the latest anthrax scare,” Mr Robertson said. He is urging all heroin users to be extremely alert to the risks and seek urgent medical advice if they experience signs of infection such as redness or swelling at or near an injection site. “Other symptoms include a high temperature, chills or a severe headache,” he warned. “Early antibiotic treatment can be lifesaving. This is a very serious infection for drug users and prompt treatment is crucial.” Mr Robertson said it was extremely rare for anthrax to be spread from person to person and urged heroin users to play it safe by not injecting the drug.
The name of Hazard: Anthrax
Species: Human
Status: Confirmed
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Publicado por
NEWS
