HEROIN USERS WARNED OF BOTULISM RISK

Drug users have been advised to smoke rather than inject heroin after four
people in a month were suspected of having contracted life-threatening
botulism. All four are in hospital intensive care units, three in England
and one in Scotland, and doctors and local drug services have been warned
to look out for other cases. Three at least are known to be injecting drug
users.

The public health laboratory service recommended extra measures against
infection: smoking heroin where possible, and using less citric acid when
injecting - this latter could cause damage, making it easier for the
botulism bacteria to take hold. Those taking a combination of drugs should
also use separate needles, syringes and other equipment. Preliminary
results of tests on the four are expected shortly. They are reportedly from
different towns or cities, but the possibility of tainted heroinis being
investigated.

Botulism from wounds is relatively rare. Last year there were three cases
and the year before that six.