BOTULISM FEAR FOR DRUG USERS

Four people may have been infected with botulism while injecting drugs.

The suspected cases - three in England and one in Scotland - are being
investigated by the Public Health Laboratory Service and a warning has been
issued to drug users and health care professionals.

Doctors, hospitals and local drug services across the UK are being informed
of these cases to ensure they are increasingly vigilant for symptoms of
botulism.

Botulism is a rare condition which affects the nervous system. It is caused
by bacteria which grow in the absence of oxygen, and then release a poison
into the body if injected.

Symptoms begin with blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and
speaking. The disease can progress to paralysis and breathing problems.

More than 90% of cases are treated successfully but it can prove fatal.

It is believed a rogue batch of heroin may be the cause of the outbreak. A
spokesman for the Public Health Laboratory Service said: "Drug users should
be aware of the risk involved and take precautions if they are going to
take heroin."

He said the precautions include not sharing needles and try to use as
little citric acid as possible as part of the injecting procedure.

The spokesman added that any drug users who experience the symptoms of
botulism should seek medical help immediately.