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