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Anthrax heroin warnings

A former heroin addict from Lancashire is warning that telling heroin users to stop injecting the drug isn't realistic. It follows 2 deaths in the Blackpool area linked to heroin containing anthrax spores.

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Warnings over heroin containing anthrax

There have been 2 deaths linked to heroin containing anthrax in the Blackpool area. The Health Protection Agency have issued this advice:

“Anthrax can be cured with antibiotics, if treatment is started early.

Drug users may become infected with anthrax when heroin is contaminated with anthrax spores. This could be a source of infection if injected, smoked or snorted.

We urge all heroin users to seek urgent medical advice if they experience signs of infection such as redness or excessive swelling at or near an injection site, or other symptoms of general illness such a high temperature, chills, severe headaches or breathing difficulties.”

– Dr Ncube, Health Protection Agency
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