London heroin user has tested positive for Anthrax

London - The Health Protection Agency and NHS London confirmed on Sunday that a person is being treated in hospital after testing positive for anthrax. The patient is a heroin user.

This is the first patient in England. In December 19 cases of heroin users were exposed to the toxin in Scotland. The cases in Scotland have pointed to heroin as being the source of anthrax exposure. It is believed that the drug itself or a cutting agent in the drug has been contaminated. At this time there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, including that of close relations to the patient. There is evidence though in the Scottish cases of airborne transmission. Dr Brian McCloskey, Director of the Health Protection Agency in London, is quoted by Medical News Today: "While public health investigations are ongoing, it must be assumed that all heroin in London carries the risk of anthrax contamination. Heroin users are advised to cease taking heroin by any route, if at all possible, and to seek help from their local drug treatment services. Heroin users in London are strongly encouraged, as soon as possible, to find out more about the support services in their area. They can be put in touch with local drug services and receive advice by contacting Talk to Frank." Professor Lindsey Davies, Regional Director of Public Health from NHS London, is warning those who use heroin to be aware of the risks and go to hospital if they see signs of infection. Those signs are redness or extreme swelling at an injection site, high fever, chills, headache or problems breathing. If antibiotic treatment begins in the early stages lifes can be saved.