Fatal Anthrax Case in Germany Same Strain as Scottish Cases

Tests carried out at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and Friedrich-Loeffler Institute (FLI) on the strain of anthrax isolated from a heroin user who died in Germany in mid December have shown it is indistinguishable from strains isolated from anthrax cases in Scotland. This suggests that the anthrax contamination in both countries, thought to originate in the heroin supply, could share a common source. This could suggest that the contamination of the heroin may have occurred prior to distribution of the heroin in Scotland and Germany, however it does not offer definitive proof.

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Anthrax death from heroin reported in Germany

Following the deaths of seven heroin users and infections of 14 by anthrax in Scotland, fears have begin to rise in Germany following a fatal case of anthrax in a 24-year-old male injecting drug user.

The man, who has not been identified, was hospitalized on December 6, complaining of swelling in his leg following a drug injection. Details are unknown, but it is believed that the man was attempting to inject heroin into a vein.

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