Pubdate: Sat, 23 Feb 2002
Source: Guardian, The (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Guardian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/175
Author: James Meikle

HEROIN USERS WARNED OF BOTULISM RISK

Drug users have been advised to smoke rather than inject heroin after four 
people in a month were suspected of having contracted life-threatening 
botulism. All four are in hospital intensive care units, three in England 
and one in Scotland, and doctors and local drug services have been warned 
to look out for other cases. Three at least are known to be injecting drug 
users.

The public health laboratory service recommended extra measures against 
infection: smoking heroin where possible, and using less citric acid when 
injecting - this latter could cause damage, making it easier for the 
botulism bacteria to take hold. Those taking a combination of drugs should 
also use separate needles, syringes and other equipment. Preliminary 
results of tests on the four are expected shortly. They are reportedly from 
different towns or cities, but the possibility of tainted heroinis being 
investigated.

Botulism from wounds is relatively rare. Last year there were three cases 
and the year before that six.
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MAP posted-by: Alex