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Home Topics Infectious Diseases Infections A-Z Anthrax Anthrax: information on 2010 outbreak

Anthrax: information on 2010 outbreak

anthrax on agar plate

Since December 2009 there has been an ongoing outbreak of anthrax among heroin users in the UK, a number of whom have died. The anthrax is thought to be acquired from contaminated heroin. The Health Protection Agency is working with NHS colleagues, public health organisations in the devolved administrations, and the police as part of the nationwide investigation. 

The agency has prepared advice for drug users and drug workers at risk and information for health professionals to support the clinical evaluation and management of drug users with possible anthrax infections.

Cases of anthrax in heroin users in England, 2010

HPA Region  Confirmed cases  Deaths
 London  2  1
 North West  1  1
 East Midlands  1  1
 South East  1  1

The Health Protection Scotland website [external link] has additional advice and guidance. The outbreak in Scotland was declared over on 23 December 2010.