UK: 2012 Human Anthrax cases- 6th case recorded

[Shiloh]

Source: http://news.sky.com/story/973765/ant...hospital-death


Anthrax Linked To Drug User Hospital Death
12:32pm UK, Friday 17 August 2012
Heroin user

It is believed the infection came from contaminated heroin


A drug user has died after becoming infected with anthrax, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said.

The patient died at a hospital in Blackpool, Lancashire, after injecting drugs.

The HPA said the source of the infection is presumed to be contaminated heroin.

The agency said it is "unclear" whether the case in Blackpool and another in Scotland - which was confirmed at the end of July - are linked to the European outbreak.

Since June there have been seven confirmed cases of the infection - the one in Scotland, three in Germany, two in Denmark, and one in France...

[Giuseppe]

Re: UK: Anthrax Linked To Drug User Hospital Death in Blackpool, Lancashire

[Source: Health Protection Agency, England, full page: (LINK).]

Confirmed case of Anthrax in injecting drug user in England



17 August 2012


The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected drugs (PWID) has died in hospital in Blackpool with confirmed anthrax infection.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected drugs (PWID) has died in hospital in Blackpool with confirmed anthrax infection.

The HPA is also aware of an ongoing outbreak of anthrax amongst PWID affecting a number of countries in Europe.

Seven cases have been identified since early June: one in Scotland, three in Germany, two in Denmark, and one in France. The source is presumed to be contaminated heroin.

It is unclear as yet whether this case and a case in Scotland at the end of July are linked to the outbreak in Europe but the HPA will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and weeks.

These are the first cases of anthrax among injecting drug users in Europe since the outbreak during 2009/2010 which principally affected Scotland (119 cases), but with cases also reported from England (five cases) and Germany (two cases).

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) have jointly prepared a rapid risk assessment which concludes that heroin users in Europe are still at risk of exposure to anthrax.

Dr Dilys Morgan, an expert in zoonotic infections at the HPA, said: ?It?s likely that further cases among PWID will be identified as part of the ongoing outbreak in EU countries. The Department of Health has alerted the NHS of the possibility of PWID presenting to Emergency Departments and Walk-in Clinics, with symptoms suggestive of anthrax.

?Anthrax can be cured with antibiotics, if treatment is started early. It is therefore important for medical professionals to know the signs and symptoms to look for, so that there are no delays in providing the necessary treatment.

?As part of the response to the 2009/10 outbreak, the HPA developed an algorithm for the clinical evaluation and management of PWID with possible anthrax. This algorithm specifies the kinds of presentations where anthrax should be considered, and outlines the actions to take.?

Anthrax in drug users was considered to be very rare - prior to the 2009-2010 outbreak in Scotland, only one previous case had been reported in Norway in 2000. Drug users may become infected with anthrax when heroin is contaminated with anthrax spores. This could be a source of infection if injected, smoked or snorted ? there is no safe route for consuming heroin or other drugs that may be contaminated with anthrax spores.


ENDS


Notes to editors:

1. Further information can be found on the Health Protection Agency (HPA) anthrax page.
2. More information on the European outbreak is available from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website [external link].
3. More information about the 2009/2010 outbreak of anthrax in Scotland is available from Health Protection Scotland website [external link].
4. The Health Protection Agency has produced advice for injecting drug users and guidelines on the clinical evaluation and management of people with possible cutaneous anthrax in England. see the HPA website for the anthrax page and the HPA algorithm.
5. At the end of June 2012 in consultation with colleagues across the UK the HPA produced a one-page reminder for those who commission and provide services to drug users about severe infections among PWID caused by spore-forming bacteria. This has been cascaded to service providers in England by the National Treatment Agency and is available from the HPA website.
6. The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk or ?Like? us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthProtectionAgency [external link].

Last reviewed: 17 August 2012

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[Shiloh]

Re: UK: 2012 Human Anthrax cases- case in Wales

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukp...1346948438261A


Drug addict treated for anthrax

(UKPA) ? 1 hour ago

A drug addict is being treated in hospital for anthrax, health officials have confirmed.

The man, who has not been named, is from Gwynedd in Wales.

He is being treated at a hospital in the north west of England.

Public Health Wales said it was not yet clear whether the incident is linked to recent cases of anthrax infection in people who inject drugs in Blackpool and Scotland...

[Giuseppe]

Re: UK: 2012 Human Anthrax cases- case in Wales

[Source: England and Wales Health Protection Agency, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

Second case of anthrax confirmed in England



10 September 2012



The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected heroin has died from anthrax infection in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This death has occurred three weeks after another person who injects drugs also died in Blackpool from confirmed anthrax infection.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected heroin has died from anthrax infection in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This death has occurred three weeks after another person who injects drugs also died in Blackpool from confirmed anthrax infection.

There is an ongoing outbreak of anthrax among people who inject drugs (PWID) in a number of countries in Europe with ten cases identified since early June.

The latest case in Blackpool brings the total number affected in the UK to four ? two in England (both fatal), one in Scotland and one in Wales (both recovering).

The source is presumed to be contaminated heroin. It is unclear as yet whether these recent cases are linked to the cases in Europe (three in Germany, two in Denmark and one in France) but the HPA is continuing to monitor the situation.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) have concluded that heroin users in Europe are still at risk of exposure to anthrax.

Dr Fortune Ncube, an expert in blood-borne viruses with the HPA, said:

?Anthrax can be cured with antibiotics, if treatment is started early. It is therefore important for medical professionals to know the signs and symptoms to look for, so that there will be no delays in providing treatment.

?It?s likely that further cases among people who inject heroin will be identified as part of the ongoing outbreak in EU countries. The Department of Health has alerted the NHS of the possibility of PWID presenting to Emergency Departments and Walk-in Clinics, with symptoms suggestive of anthrax.

?Local drug services throughout the country have also been alerted and the National Treatment Agency has circulated posters and leaflets about anthrax contamination, which are aimed at heroin users, to local treatment centres and to other organisations who are touch with drug users who might not be in contact with drug services, for example hostels, housing departments, needle exchanges, benefit offices, community pharmacies and social work departments.?

Drug users may become infected with anthrax when heroin is contaminated with anthrax spores. This could be a source of infection if injected, smoked or snorted. There is no safe route for consuming heroin or other drugs that may be contaminated with anthrax spores.

Dr Ncube, added:

?The HPA is warning people who use heroin that they could be risking anthrax infection. We urge all heroin users to seek urgent medical advice if they experience signs of infection such as redness or excessive swelling at or near an injection site, or other symptoms of general illness such a high temperature, chills, severe headaches or breathing difficulties. Early treatment with antibiotics is essential for a successful recovery.?


Ends



Notes to editors

1. The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory at HPA Porton, is providing diagnostic support to clinical teams across the UK to assist them with the handling of anthrax incidents.
2. Further information on anthrax can be found on the anthrax page.
3. More information on the European outbreak is available at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website [external link].
4. More information about the 2009/2010 outbreak of anthrax in Scotland is available at the Health Protection Scotland website [external link].
5. The Health Protection Agency has produced advice for injecting drug users and guidelines on the clinical evaluation and management of people with possible cutaneous anthrax in England. These are available on the anthrax page.
6. At the end of June 2012 in consultation with colleagues across the UK the HPA produced a one-page reminder for those who commission and provide services to drug users about severe infections among PWID caused by spore-forming bacteria. This has been cascaded to service providers in England by the National Treatment Agency. See the: Anthrax, botulism & tetanus among drug users - a reminder June 2012 (PDF, 65 KB) for more details.
7. The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk or ?Like? us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthProtectionAgency [external link].
8. For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400. Alternatively contact the communications team at HPA North West on 0844-2251295 and select option 2.

Last reviewed: 10 September 2012

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[Shiloh]

Re: UK: 2012 Human Anthrax cases- another death recorded

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20179499

2 November 2012 Last updated at 06:53 ET
Fifth UK drug user is infected with anthrax

A drug user in Oxford is recovering from an anthrax infection after injecting heroin, say health experts.

The case comes after two people who injected drugs died from anthrax infections in Blackpool in August and September.

The Health Protection Agency said there was an ongoing outbreak of anthrax infections amongst drug users in Europe with 12 cases so far, five in the UK...

[Giuseppe]

Re: UK: 2012 Human Anthrax cases- 5th case recorded

[Source: Health Protection Agency, United Kingdom, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

Case of anthrax confirmed in Oxford

2 November 2012


The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected heroin has been diagnosed with anthrax infection in Oxford. The patient is recovering.

This case has occurred after two people who injected drugs died from confirmed anthrax infection in Blackpool within a month of each other in August and September this year.

There is an ongoing outbreak of anthrax among people who inject drugs in a number of countries in Europe with 12 cases now identified since early June. The latest case in Oxford brings the total number affected in the UK to five ? three in England (two fatal, one recovering), one in Scotland and one in Wales (both recovering).

The source is presumed to be contaminated heroin.

It is unclear as yet whether these recent cases are linked to the cases in Europe (four in Germany, two in Denmark and one in France) but the HPA is continuing to monitor the situation.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) have concluded that heroin users in Europe are still at risk of exposure to anthrax.

Dr Fortune Ncube, an expert in infections among people who inject drugs at the HPA, said: ?Anthrax can be cured with antibiotics, if treatment is started early. It is therefore important for medical professionals to be alert to the possibly of anthrax infection in heroin users presenting with signs and symptoms ? which include severe soft tissue infections or blood poisoning ? to prevent any delays in providing treatment.

?It is possible that further cases may be seen in people who inject heroin. People who use drugs may become infected with anthrax when the heroin they use is contaminated with anthrax spores. This could be a source of infection if injected, smoked or snorted - There is no safe route for consuming heroin or other drugs that may be contaminated with anthrax spores.?

NHS staff were made aware of the possibility of cases of anthrax in people who inject heroin following the first UK case earlier this year. Targeted information, including posters and leaflets aimed at heroin users were also sent out by the National Treatment Agency to local drug partnerships for distribution to all organisations in touch with drug users, including hostels, housing departments, needle exchanges, benefit offices, community pharmacies and social work departments.

Dr ?amonn O?Moore, director of the HPA?s Thames Valley Health Protection Unit, said: ?In light of this recent case in Oxford, we have advised local Drug and Alcohol Action Teams to talk to their service users who inject drugs about the risk of anthrax infection.

?Injecting drug users often experience skin infection but we strongly advise them not to ignore signs such as redness or excessive swelling around injection sites, or other symptoms of general illness such a high temperature, chills, severe headaches or breathing difficulties. They should seek medical advice quickly in such circumstances generally but particularly now because we have concerns that some batches of heroin in circulation in Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley may be contaminated with anthrax. Early treatment with antibiotics is essential for a successful recovery.?

ENDS


Notes to editors

1. The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory at HPA Porton, is providing diagnostic support to clinical teams across the UK to assist them with the handling of anthrax incidents.
2. Further information on anthrax can be found on the anthrax page.
3. More information on the European outbreak is available at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website [external link].
4. More information about the 2009/2010 outbreak of anthrax in Scotland is available at the Health Protection Scotland website [external link].
5. The Health Protection Agency has produced advice for injecting drug users and guidelines on the clinical evaluation and management of people with possible cutaneous anthrax in England. These are available on the anthrax page.
6. At the end of June 2012 in consultation with colleagues across the UK the HPA produced a one-page reminder for those who commission and provide services to drug users about severe infections among PWID caused by spore-forming bacteria. This has been cascaded to service providers in England by the National Treatment Agency. See the: Anthrax, botulism & tetanus among drug users - a reminder June 2012 (PDF, 65 KB) for more details.
7. The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk or ?Like? us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthProtectionAgency [external link].
8. For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400. Alternatively contact the communications team at HPA South East on 01403 229074 or 07789 295 454.

Last reviewed: 2 November 2012

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[Giuseppe]

Re: UK: 2012 Human Anthrax cases- 6th case recorded

[Source: Health Protection Agency, UK, full page: (LINK).]

Case of anthrax in Medway

19 December 2012


The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected heroin has been diagnosed with anthrax infection in Medway and has died.


There is an ongoing outbreak of anthrax among people who inject drugs in a number of countries in Europe with 13 cases now identified since early June. The latest case in Medway brings the total number affected in the UK to six ? four in England (including three fatalities), one in Scotland and one in Wales. The source is presumed to be contaminated heroin.

It is unclear as yet whether these recent cases are linked to the cases in Europe (four in Germany, two in Denmark and one in France) but the HPA is continuing to monitor the situation.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) have concluded that heroin users in Europe are still at risk of exposure to anthrax.

Dr Fortune Ncube, an expert in infections among people who inject drugs at the HPA, said: ?Anthrax can be cured with antibiotics, if treatment is started early. It is therefore important for medical professionals to be alert to the possibility of anthrax infection in heroin users presenting with signs and symptoms ? which include severe soft tissue infections or blood poisoning ? to prevent any delays in providing treatment.

?It is possible that further cases may be seen in people who inject heroin. People who use drugs may become infected with anthrax when the heroin they use is contaminated with anthrax spores. This could be a source of infection if injected, smoked or snorted - there is no safe route for consuming heroin or other drugs that may be contaminated with anthrax spores.?

NHS staff were made aware of the possibility of cases of anthrax in people who inject heroin following the first UK case earlier this year. Targeted information, including posters and leaflets aimed at heroin users, were also sent out by the National Treatment Agency to local drug partnerships for distribution to all organisations in touch with drug users, including hostels, housing departments, needle exchanges, benefit offices, community pharmacies and social work departments.

Dr James Sedgwick, Interim Director of the HPA?s Kent Health Protection Unit, said: ?In light of this recent case in Medway, we have advised local agencies to talk to their service users who inject drugs about the risk of anthrax infection.

?People who inject drugs often experience skin infection but we strongly advise them not to ignore signs such as redness or excessive swelling around injection sites, or other symptoms of general illness such a high temperature, chills, severe headaches or breathing difficulties. They should seek medical advice quickly in such circumstances generally but particularly now because we have concerns that some batches of heroin in circulation may be contaminated with anthrax. Early treatment with antibiotics is essential for a successful recovery.?

-Ends-



Notes for editors:

1. The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory at HPA Porton, is providing diagnostic support to clinical teams across the UK to assist them with the handling of anthrax incidents.
2. Further information on anthrax can be found on the anthrax page.
3. More information on the European outbreak is available at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website [external link].
4. More information about the 2009/2010 outbreak of anthrax in Scotland is available at the Health Protection Scotland website [external link].
5. The Health Protection Agency has produced advice for injecting drug users and guidelines on the clinical evaluation and management of people with possible cutaneous anthrax in England. These are available on the anthrax page.
6. At the end of June 2012 in consultation with colleagues across the UK, the HPA produced a one-page reminder for those who commission and provide services to drug users about severe infections among PWID caused by spore-forming bacteria. This has been cascaded to service providers in England by the National Treatment Agency. See the Anthrax, botulism & tetanus among drug users - a reminder June 2012 (PDF, 65 KB) for more details.
7. The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk or ?Like? us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthProtectionAgency [external link].
8. For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400. Alternatively contact the communications team at HPA South East on 01403 229075 or 07920 542786.

Last reviewed: 19 December 2012

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