New Mexico warns on wound botulism among drug users after several suspected cases - Fox News

Health officials in New Mexico are investigating two suspected cases of wound botulism in residents with reported injection drug use.

are diagnosed with wound botulism each year.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the two new cases involve a 26-year-old woman in Rio Arriba County, and a 40-year-old man from Bernalillo County. .

Wound botulism can happen if the spores of the bacteria get into a wound and make a toxin, according to the CDC

In addition to occurring after injection drug use, it has also been reported in people who have a traumatic injury such as a motorcycle accident or surgery. 

"The NMDOH recommends that all clinicians be alert for cases of wound botulism, especially in injection drug users; report any suspect case to the Department of Health 24/7/365 at 505-827-0006 so that antitoxin can be obtained as soon as possible needed; and warn persons who inject drugs about wound botulism including informing them of the signs and symptoms and the need to seek medical care immediately," the health department warned.