The injection of a formerly legal high known as ‘snow blow’ is linked to an upsurge in HIV infections among chaotic drug users in Dublin, research shows.
There have been 38 cases of confirmed and probable HIV infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Dublin over the last two years.
The HSE’s Department of Public Health identified an “unexpected increase” in cases of acute HIV infection in February 2015 and set up a multi-disciplinary group to engage with this cohort of drug users.
At the time, drug treatment clinicians also identified that a new psychoactive substance (a-PVP), known as snow blow, was being used by chaotic injectors, who were mainly homeless.
Experts in six health agencies in Dublin, and two bodies abroad, conducted research as to the reasons for the increase.
The research found that HIV cases among PWID rose from 17 in 2014 (15 confirmed and two probable) to 21 during 2015 (17 confirmed and four probable).
A sudden rise in cases began in September 2014 and continued to February 2015, before rising again during the summer months.
The study, made available by the Health Research Board, found that 16 of the 38 people were female, with ages ranging from 24 to 51.
Source: Cormac O'Keeffe, Irish Examiner, 12/01/16
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
