"Tainted cocaine linked to illnesses in Winnipeg"

Aillas · Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:00 pm

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has issued a warning after two adults were hospitalized with an illness likely caused by cocaine laced with a veterinary drug.

The patients were suffering from neutropenia, also known as agranulocytosis, a serious illness that impacts immune systems, leaving them unable to fight off infections, the WRHA stated in a press release.

In severe cases, if left untreated, the disease can be fatal. It is believed both patients, known cocaine users, became ill as a result of using cocaine laced with levamisole.

Levamisole is a drug used by veterinarians to rid animals of internal parasites, but is not used in humans. No one knows why it might have been added to the cocaine, the WRHA stated.

Dr. Pierre Plourde, WRHA medical officer of health, urged users of cocaine and crack cocaine to stop or reduce use of the drug. He urged users to be vigilant for signs of fever or infection.

The range of potential infections caused by neutropenia includes ulcers, bladder infections and pneumonia.

"Even a dealer you trust may have tainted drugs and not know it," Plourde said. "If you do continue to use, then please keep an eye out for fever and unusual infections in yourself or other users and immediately seek medical help.

"Without medical treatment, the condition can lead to death."

Anyone who suspects they know someone who may be suffering from neutropenia, or who wants more information, can call Health Links at 204-788-8200.

Plourde said there were many cases of severe neutropenia in Alberta and British Columbia in 2008 and 2009 that were related to levamisole-laced cocaine.

The two people in Winnipeg were admitted to hospital over the last two weeks. One has since been discharged, the WRHA stated.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story ... nipeg.html

"Tainted cocaine linked to illnesses in Winnipeg"

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