RSOE EDIS - Situation Update No. 10 : United Kingdom - Epidemic Hazard

RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service Budapest, Hungary RSOE EDIS ALERTMAIL

Situation Update No. 10 Posted:2009-12-17, 17:29:49 [UTC] Ref.no.: EH-20091217-24200-GBR Situation Update No. 10 On 2009-12-26 at 16:32:52 [UTC] Event: Epidemic Hazard Location: United Kingdom Scotland Glasgow Number of Deads: 3 person(s) Number of Infected: 1 person(s) Situation: Tests for possible anthrax poisoning are being carried out on a heroin user in Carlisle. The man was admitted to the city’s Cumberland Infirmary on Christmas Day. Blood test results are not expected until early next week. But NHS Cumbria today said it had not ruled out possible anthrax poisoning following cases involving contaminated heroin in Glasgow. Police, who are investigating the case, have warned users to be vigilant – stressing that taking drugs is dangerous at all times. Dr John Ashton, Cumbria’s director of public health, said: “Anyone who injects drugs and experiences any unusual symptoms such as swelling or pain at the injection site should seek medical help immediately. “Until we receive this patient's test results early next week, we cannot discount possible anthrax poisoning. “I would stress that while injecting drug users need to vigilant, the risk to the rest of the population is negligible. “Even if these test results do show traces of anthrax, person to person spread is extremely rare and there is no significant risk of airborne transmission.” Detectives are working with medics at the Cumberland Infirmary on this case. They have urged anyone with information about drug dealing in Cumbria to contact them on 0845 3300247 or Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111. Please DO NOT reply to this message: replies may be treated as errors and result in your subscription being deleted. If you have trouble or other queries, send email to havaria@rsoe.hu RSOE EDIS is operated by the National Association of Radio-Distress Signalling and Infocommunications (RSOE), Budapest, Hungary. Because of the complexity of this system and its dependence on other systems, we cannot be responsible for delays or failures in forwarding or transmission. You're receiving this AlertMail because you subscribed for the service. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Contact: havaria@rsoe.hu