Two heroin users are infected with botulism

Two heroin users have become ill with botulism, and a third is showing symptoms of the infection, which can cause paralysis and death, according to Los Angeles County public health officials.

The cases, all in the Long Beach-South Bay area, have led authorities to suspect that the local heroin supply may be contaminated with toxin-producing bacteria.

Most of the heroin sold in California comes from Mexico and is sold as a viscous dark-colored liquid, instead of the refined, white powder variety from Asia.

Heroin dealers are known to add dirt to “black tar heroin” to dilute the drug. Dirt can contain spores of the lethal bacteria. After the tainted heroin is injected into the skin muscles, the germs can release toxins that trigger blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and, eventually, paralysis of the arms, legs and respiratory muscles.

Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Los Angeles County’s public health director, said anyone with symptoms of botulism needs to go to an emergency room.

There are about 30 cases of wound botulism nationwide every year.

-- Rong-Gong Lin II