An Outbreak of Infection with Bacillus Anthracis in Injecting Drug Users in Scotland

Overview

Journal Euro Surveill

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2010 Jan 21

PMID 20085694

Citations 28

Authors

C N Ramsay

A Stirling

J Smith

G Hawkins

T Brooks

J Hood

G Penrice

L M Browning

S Ahmed

Affiliations

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Abstract

An investigation is currently underway to explore and control an outbreak of Bacillus anthracis among drug users (mainly injecting) in Scotland. Contaminated heroin or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin is considered to be the most likely source and vehicle of infection. Heroin users have been advised of the risk. The risk to the general public is regarded as very low.

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