Wound botulism among intravenous drug users

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	Home » HIV/AIDS Program » Harm reduction and drug use » Wound botulism

HIV/AIDS Program
Wound botulism among intravenous drug users

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>	Haga click aquí para "Infección peligrosa: Botulismo de heridas" en español

What do symptoms look & feel like?

	Weakness and drooping eyelids
	Blurred or double vision
	Extreme dry mouth and sore throat
	Trouble swallowing or talking
	Trouble breathing which may lead to intense shortness of breath

These symptoms occur within 1-2 days after becoming infected. You may or may not notice an abscess.

If not treated quickly, botulism can cause paralysis, shut down your breathing and cause death.

A new case of WOUND BOTULISM has been reported in King County. Health officials believe the case may be related to injecting contaminated black tar heroin.

Injecting heroin that contains the bacteria that causes botulism can cause serious infection and even death.

Muscling and skin-popping pose the greatest risks. But shooting IV is risky, too.

There is no way to know which heroin has the bacteria and which does not.

Cooking the dope does not kill it.

If wound botulism is caught early, it can be treated.

It is very important to catch it early and begin treatment immediately.

If you have any of the symptoms,
Go to the nearest EMERGENCY ROOM...immediately!!!
Take this flyer with you so you will be seen quickly.

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Cotton fever facts
Re-using cottons can put bacteria directly into your blood stream. Cotton fever is uncomfortable, but it's usually not serious.

What causes an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus which means you have an infection. What causes an abscess? Drug shooters often get abscesses on their arms or legs at injection sites.

What are the

harms of muscling and skin-popping?

All injectors are at risk for infections related to using needles. Muscling and skin-popping allow germs to "sit" inside muscle and fat tissue or under the skin. These are great places for abscesses and other infections to brew.