Lead poisoning associated with intravenous-methamphetamine use - Oregon, 1988

Article Abstract:

Out of the 14 cases of non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH) that were reported to the Oregon Health Division (OHD) between August 1 and September 6, 1988, eight intravenous-methamphetamine users (IVMUs) with NANBH were also diagnosed with lead poisoning. A sample of illicit methamphetamine obtained from one of the patients was analyzed and found to contain 60 percent lead by weight. This prompted a statewide media campaign to alert physicians, county health departments, and IVMUs of this lead poisoning outbreak. A case of suspected IVMU-associated lead poisoning was defined by three or more of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, loss of weight, nausea, vomiting, lower back and leg pains, or weakness. Confirmation was made by blood tests for hepatitis A and B, along with a measurement of blood-lead levels and other factors. A total of 14 confirmed cases of lead poisoning were reported for 1988 in Oregon; none were confirmed or reported in 1989. Of this total number, 11 cases were in men and the patients ranged in age from 24 to 36 years. Symptoms included abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, nausea, and weakness, and lasted from three to six weeks. Two important clinical and public health implications may be derived from these data. Cases of lead poisoning may go undetected, especially among those persons who have not been identified as being in a high-risk group. Illicit drug products, which are frequently manufactured in clandestine laboratories, can contain high levels of toxic contaminants, as demonstrated by the sample analysis of methamphetamine. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Lead, Complications and side effects, Methamphetamine

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Testing for HIV in the public and private sectors - Oregon, 1988-1991

Article Abstract:

The Health Division (HD) of the Oregon Department of Human Resources reviewed public and private testing for HIV infection in Oregon between Sep 1988 and Aug 1991. The federal government gave money to state and local governments in 1991 for HIV counseling and testing at public health clinics for at-risk individuals. HIV testing is anonymous in Oregon, and individuals cannot be tested without giving informed consent. Between Sep 1988 and Aug 1991, 125,159 HIV tests were reported to the Oregon HD. The percentage of Oregon citizens tested for HIV increased from 1.2% in 1989 to 1.8% in 1991. The number of tests that were done at public health clinics increased from 32% in 1989 to 40% in 1991. Individuals between 20 and 29 years old were more likely to be tested than other age groups. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to be tested than whites. Almost 50% of the individuals diagnosed with HIV between 1989 and 1991 were tested at a public health clinic.

HIV testing, HIV tests

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A large community outbreak of salmonellosis caused by intentional contamination of restaurant salad bars

Article Abstract:

An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning in The Dalles, Oregon illustrates how vulnerable the US food supply may be to terrorists. Two outbreaks of salmonella occurred between Sept 9 and Oct 10, 1984, affecting 751 people altogether. Most had eaten at one of 10 restaurants and eating from the salad bar seemed to be the biggest risk factor. Eight of the 10 restaurants had a salad bar. A criminal investigation found that members of the Rajneeshpuram commune had prepared Salmonella cultures in their medical laboratories and had deliberately contaminated food items at the salad bars.

Crime, Salmonellosis, Contamination, Buffets (Cookery), Buffets (Cooking), Rajneeshees

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