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Published Date: 2012-06-24 21:57:16
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax - Germany (03): strain identified
Archive Number: 20120624.1179225

ANTHRAX - GERMANY (03): STRAIN IDENTIFIED
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Date: 22 Jun 2012
Source: Robert Koch Institute [in German, trans. Sabine Zentis, edited]
http://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Service/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2012/09_2012.html

In the Regensburg area, there are 2 recent cases of anthrax in drug users (heroin), one fatal, and the current anthrax strain has been confirmed to be identical to the 2009/2010 outbreak strain associated with cases in the UK.

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[The German press has been quick to say that this contaminated heroin came from the UK. I suspect that the genesis of this latest contaminated batch may be more complicated. But for those interested, here are some links to the German press:
http://web.de/magazine/gesundheit/psychologie/15647902-heroin-milzbrand-verunreinigt-toter-bayern.html, http://web.de/magazine/gesundheit/psychologie/15252064-rekordwert-neuartigen-drogen-europa.html. - Mod.MHJ

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map can be accessed at: http://healthmap.org/r/1zJl.]

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