Anthrax Kills Eight Heroin Users in Europe

A batch of heroin contaminated with anthrax spores is killing drug users across Europe, Reuters reported Jan. 23.

At least eight drug users have died from anthrax infections in Scotland and Germany, and more have been infected but survived.

Experts don’t believe that anthrax — which can be used as a biological weapon — is intentionally being added to the drug. Rather, they speculate that the contamination may have occurred during processing, perhaps through contact with animals infected with the disease.

Authorities are urging drug users to stop injecting heroin to avoid anthrax infection.