Fifteen drug users infected with HIV

Fifteen injecting drug users in Dublin have recently been infected with HIV, with another case considered probable, the HSE has confirmed.

It said “new cases continue to be detected”, with a further 16 cases currently being tested.

The upsurge has sparked concern among clinicians and addiction organisations regarding a possible link between homeless drug users and the injection of mephedrone, the former headshop drug known as ‘snow blow’.