*TETANUS OUTBREAK ADVICE FOR DRUG USERS*
BACK *IMPORTANT INFORMATION*
Five cases of tetanus have been reported in injecting drug users (IDUs) in the UK since July 2003. Three of these were reported in November. Four of the five cases are in females between 20 and 26 years of age. So far, all cases survived. The five most recent cases reported so far are over a wide geographical distribution, and thus it is expected that more cases of tetanus in IDUs are expected. Increased awareness is extremely important.
WHAT IS TETANUS?
Tetanus is a potentially life threatening bacterial infection if left untreated. In the last month there has been a rise in the number of injecting drug users treated for tetanus in the UK. However, there is a vaccine that can protect you from contracting the infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The main symptoms associated with tetanus are:
Tightening or stiffening of the muscles of the stomach
Tightening of the muscles of the jaw leading to the jaw locking
Fits
Increasingly strong muscle spasms
Difficulty breathing and speaking
If you or a friend have any of these symptoms, or an unusual infection in an injection site -
GO TO THE HOSPITAL A&E DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INFECTION?
Get vaccinated as soon as possible
Avoid skin-popping and intra-muscular injection, as infections are more common with these types of injecting
Consider smoking or sniffing instead of injecting
Wash your hands, keep skin clean
DON'T SHARE injecting equipment