RSOE EDIS - Situation Update No. 18 : United Kingdom - Epidemic Hazard

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

Situation Update No. 18 Posted:2009-12-17, 17:29:49 [UTC] Ref.no.: EH-20091217-24200-GBR Situation Update No. 18 On 2010-01-09 at 16:02:06 [UTC] Event: Epidemic Hazard Location: United Kingdom Scotland Glasgow Number of Deads: 6 person(s) Number of Infected: 6 person(s) Situation: British health authorities said that cases of the bacterial disease anthrax are spreading among heroin users across Scotland as a total of sixth individuals have succumbed to the disease. Health Protection Scotland claimed this week that they have confirmed 12 cases of the deadly infection. The anthrax outbreak started a few weeks ago in Glasgow and doctors spotted an immediate connection as all victims were heroin users. Health officials now believe anthrax contaminated heroin is being sold all over Scotland. The latest death due to the disease is the one of the NHS Forth valley area. In Glasgow, a total of four people have died after catching the deadly bacteria and one victim emerged in Tayside. In Lanakshire, the occurrences of three cases have been reported. Two of these victims are undergoing intensive hospital treatment and one is now out of danger as he has been discharged. A further three cases have been confirmed in Glasgow. The presence of anthrax in stocks of heroin being circulated through Scotland has prompted health officials to urge users to be vigilant although the risk to the public in general is said to be low. Health Protection Scotland consultant epidemiologist Dr Colin Ramsay said the recent death of the patient at NHS Forth Valley due to anthrax is an indication that there has been further geographical spread of the tainted heroin, meaning that users all over Scotland are now at risk of potentially coming across a contaminated supply. Dr Ramsay urged all heroin users to stop using the drug a once and to get in touch with local drug support services which can assist them in stopping. Her also recommended users to stay vigilant for signs of anthrax infection, including inflammation around an injection site, marked redness and a high fever and to seek immediate medical advice if they do occur. It’s believed that the anthrax came for bone meal, which is a substance sometimes used as a cutting agent in countries where heroin is produced. 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