HSE personnel are currently dealing with six possible cases of botulism over the last fortnight.
The infection is caused by contaminated heroin being injected into soft tissues rather than veins. The HSE is investigating whether the heroin was cotaminated.
Botulism last occurred in drug users in Ireland in 2002 and in 2000 eight drug users died when heroin contaminated with clostridium novyi was in circulation in Dublin.
Alerts have been issued to drug services and relevant clinical staff in emergency departments.
Drug users are being advised to seek medical help if they experience neurological difficulties, particularly as a result of injecting heroin into muscle or under the skin and if they develop abscesses.
Source: The Irish Times, 11/12/2008
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