Anthrax is a bug which doctors think got into some batches of heroin sold across Scotland. It can kill if not treated quickly.
As of 25 March, an outbreak has infected 29 people in Scotland. Of these, 10 people have unfortunatly died. There are an additional 118 suspected cases. All anthrax infections have been among heroin users. There are still NO confirmed cases of anthrax in Grampian. However, the evidence suggests that contaminated heroin may be widespread across Scotland and still circulating.
If injecting heroin, you may have swelling and redness at the injecting site leading to an abscess or ulcer. You may have other symptoms such as fever and headache.
If smoking heroin, you may have a fever or flu like symptoms, feel sick and find it hard to breathe.
If you have any of the symptoms you need to get medical help quickly. Go to A&E as soon as possible.
Guidance materials including a general Q&A have been posted on the Health Protection Scotland micro-site: http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/anthrax/resources.aspx
A summary of the latest situation across Scotland is summarised here: http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/anthrax/index.aspx
