Isle of Man heroin users warned over anthrax

Eight people have died in Scotland from the anthrax infection

Police in the Isle of Man are warning that heroin contaminated with anthrax could be brought into the island.

So far 17 heroin users in Scotland have got the anthrax infection since December and eight have died.

Acting Det Sgt Andy Pailor said there were no incidents in the island but the "complex international supply chain" of drugs mean it was not impossible.

He added: "We cannot ignore the possibility and that is why we are issuing a public warning."

Anthrax is a deadly bacterial infection which occurs mostly in animals in Asia and Africa.

Flu-like illness

Heroin users are asked to seek medical help immediately if they suffer symptoms of anthrax infection, which include lesions on the skin that are itchy and inflamed.

If inhaled, symptoms begin with a flu like illness - fever, headache, muscle aches and a cough leading to breathlessness.

Humans are seldom infected and it is extremely rare for anthrax to be spread from person to person.

In Scotland, an investigation by health boards, the procurator fiscal and Strathclyde Police is trying to identify the source of the anthrax.

One possibility is that contaminated heroin, or a contaminated agent used to cut the drug, is to blame.