Europe may be about to face an outbreak of anthrax cases affecting drug users, government advisers have warned.
The warning came after the death of a patient in Blackpool from anthrax linked to their use of injecting drugs.
There have also been one case in Scotland and six cases in Germany, Denmark and France, according to the Health Protection Agency.
Three years ago 119 drug users in Scotland succumbed to anthrax. The outbreak also spread to Germany and England.
Although the link between anthrax and heroin was rare until recently, experts say it is possible the drug can be contaminated with anthrax spores during its production.
Dr Dilys Morgan, of the HPA, said emergency departments had been warned to look out for injecting drug users showing symptoms of anthrax infection.
Dr Morgan said: "It’s likely that further cases among persons who injected drugs will be identified as part of the ongoing outbreak in EU countries."
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