<div><p>British health authorities have warned that contaminated heroin being sold in London may cause anthrax, after one addict was hospitalized with the potentially fatal disease.</p><p>The warning follows a similar outbreak in Scotland that has infected 19 heroin addicts since December, including nine deaths. Authorities suspect the heroin or an agent mixed with the drug was likely contaminated.</p><p>"All heroin in London carries the risk of anthrax contamination," said Brian McCloskey of London's Health Protection Agency.</p><p>Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.</p><p>Heroin can easily become contaminated with anthrax spores while being manufactured in poor countries in Africa and Asia where the disease often infects people.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=68503526&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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