health
Michigan targets bath salt drug use
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 13, 2011
Michigan authorities responded quickly to reports of the new "bath salts" drug after 35 cases of abuse were identified between Nov. 15, 2010, and March 31, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's May 20 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Health officials, poison control centers and law enforcement collaborated to notify agencies statewide and issue an emergency health order in Marquette County, where the drug first surfaced.
Patients displayed various symptoms from the synthetic stimulants, including hypertension, tachycardia, tremors, delusions and paranoia. Some patients were violent or suicidal. Of the 35 cases, 69% reported a drug abuse history, and 46% were mentally ill (link).
Seventeen patients were hospitalized, including nine admitted to intensive care. One patient died before arriving at the hospital.
Michigan was among 45 states and the District of Columbia where bath salt cases were reported to poison control centers before March 22.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/13/hlbf0613.htm.
