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The Los Angeles County Public Health Department warns of possible contamination of black tar heroin by bacteria that can cause botulism of wounds and even death.
Health authorities have noted that injecting drugs pose an increased risk of infection, especially if they are under the skin or muscles. They are currently investigating three cases that appeared in Los Angeles County that may be related to the outbreak in San Diego County.
Botulism does not spread from one person to another, according to the authorities. However, if users share heroin or material contaminated by another person, both could be infected. Heating or "cooking" the drug will not eliminate the bacteria that causes botulism.
Symptoms of botulism of the wound include drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, difficulties in swallowing and breathing. The symptoms can be confused with an overdose and can occur a few days or weeks after the injection of the contaminated medication.
Anyone who injects drugs and suspects that she is experiencing these symptoms should go immediately to the emergency room. closer. The symptoms can be fatal and require immediate medical attention.
For general information on the prevention and treatment of drug abuse, visit the page on Substance Abuse Prevention and Control at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov / sapc or call (844) 804-7500.
For more information on wound botulism, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/wound-botulism.html.
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