NHS Warn Drug Users After Two Cases Of Botulism
Health boards in Glasgow and Lanarkshire are investigation two suspected cases of wound botulism in injecting drug users.
One of the patients is from the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area while the other is from the NHS Lanarkshire area.
Both individuals are receiving hospital treatment.
The investigation will focus on injecting heroin users.
Symptoms often begin with blurred or double vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking.
Untreated the infection can quickly lead to paralysis.
Dr Gillian Penrice, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Consultant in Public Heath Medicine, said: “I urge all drug injecting heroin users to be extremely alert.
“They should seek urgent medical attention from Accident and Emergency if they experience any early symptoms such as blurred or double vision, difficulty in swallowing and speaking and/or inflammation at the injection site.
"It is important for injecting drug users to engage with the wide range of services we offer designed to help them tackle their addictions. However for those who continue to inject, it is extremely important that they seek urgent medical help if they show these early symptoms.
"Heroin users should avoid injecting heroin into their muscles. Injecting heroin into a vein or smoking can reduce the risk of botulism, although not using heroin at all is by far the best course of action."
Health bosses say it is not aware of any other cases in Scotland at this time.