Anthrax identified in heroin users in Scotland.

Since the first week of December 2009, Public Health Authorities in Scotland have been identifying cases of anthrax in heroin users. Anthrax is a very rare but serious infection caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis which is often fatal. If the bacterium gets into the bloodstream or the brain and is not treated early it is almost invariably fatal. To date, 14 cases with seven deaths due to anthrax infection have occurred in Scotland. In addition, Germany is now reporting the death of a male heroin user with no identified links to Scotland