| Heroin Contaminated with Anthrax | |
| 18 January 2010 Scottish investigations are continuing since 01/12/09 into heroin supplies that are contaminated with anthrax. Anthrax originates from infected animals outwith the UK and the heroin itself or cutting agent or other item could be anthrax infected. The persons infected to date are all injecting drug users. This is a public health issue and Health Protection Scotland are leading with police assistance to identify the source of the contaminant and remove it. While heroin users do need to be alert, the risk to the general public is very low. It is extremely rare for anthrax to be passed from person to person and there is no evidence of a significant risk of airborne transmission associated with the current situation. Further information can be found at the Health Protection Scotland website http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/anthrax/ | |
