title: An outbreak of infection with Bacillus anthracis in injecting drug users in Scotland.
abstract: An investigation is currently underway to explore and control an outbreak of Bacillus anthracis among drug users (mainly injecting) in Scotland. Contaminated heroin or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin is considered to be the most likely source and vehicle of infection. Heroin users have been advised of the risk. The risk to the general public is regarded as very low.
authors.affiliation: Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom. colin.ramsay@nhs.net
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ramsay
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stirling
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hood
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Penrice
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Browning
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000881:Anthrax / Q000209:etiology*; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D003932:Heroin