Anthrax and People who inject drugs -
In Scotland in December 2009, an outbreak of anthrax was identified among people who inject drugs (PWID) and resulted in 119 cases of anthrax; 14 of these cases died. Three related cases were also detected in England. In summer 2012, a further five anthrax cases were identified in Germany, Denmark and France; this was followed by seven more cases in the UK. To date, no cases have been identified in Ireland. The aim of this guidance is to assist clinicians in Ireland in clinical and microbiological assessment of suspected cases of infection with B. anthracis in PWID.
Last updated: 26 September 2013
Clinical algorithm: Clinical Evaluation and Management of Drug Users with Possible Anthrax
File Size: 97kB
Publication Date: 20 September 2013
Infection with Bacillus anthracis – Injecting Drug Users Potential Presentations and Case Definitions
File Size: 87kB
Publication Date: 20 September 2013
Infection Control Precautions during the Clinical Management of Injecting Drug Users with Possible Probable or Confirmed Anthrax
File Size: 175kB
Publication Date: 20 September 2013
Laboratory Investigation of Possible Anthrax in Injecting Drug Users
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Ireland’s specialist service for the surveillance of communicable diseases.