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Man who breathed in anthrax dies Man who breathed in anthrax dies
(10 minutes later)
A drum-maker who inhaled anthrax spores while handling imported animal skins at his workshop has died in hospital.A drum-maker who inhaled anthrax spores while handling imported animal skins at his workshop has died in hospital.
Fernando Gomez, 35, from Hackney in east London, had been in the intensive care unit of Homerton University Hospital for more than a week.Fernando Gomez, 35, from Hackney in east London, had been in the intensive care unit of Homerton University Hospital for more than a week.
A hospital spokesman confirmed he died from inhalation anthrax not cutaneous anthrax and said his family were with him when he died.A hospital spokesman confirmed he died from inhalation anthrax not cutaneous anthrax and said his family were with him when he died.
Seven other people have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.Seven other people have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it is attempting to trace where the infected skins originated.The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it is attempting to trace where the infected skins originated.
A hospital spokesman said his condition had deteriorated overnight and that he died on Sunday afternoon.A hospital spokesman said his condition had deteriorated overnight and that he died on Sunday afternoon.
Flat sealed offFlat sealed off
The HPA has sealed off his flat in Hackney and will examine his workshop this week.The HPA has sealed off his flat in Hackney and will examine his workshop this week.
Its chief adviser, Professor Nigel Lightfoot, said residents who live near the flat or workshop are not at risk.Its chief adviser, Professor Nigel Lightfoot, said residents who live near the flat or workshop are not at risk.
He stressed the risk for coming into contact with anthrax comes from the making of animal skin drums not playing or handling them.He stressed the risk for coming into contact with anthrax comes from the making of animal skin drums not playing or handling them.
He said: "We are, however, keen to reiterate to all individuals who make drums from imported animal skins that there is a risk of coming into contact with anthrax and that they should ensure they are aware of this and take precautions to protect themselves when making these drums."He said: "We are, however, keen to reiterate to all individuals who make drums from imported animal skins that there is a risk of coming into contact with anthrax and that they should ensure they are aware of this and take precautions to protect themselves when making these drums."
Jules Pipe, the mayor of Hackney, said: "This is an extremely rare case and this type of anthrax cannot be passed from person to person."
The threat to the general public is very small as it is extremely unusual for anthrax to be transmitted from person to person.The threat to the general public is very small as it is extremely unusual for anthrax to be transmitted from person to person.
The last death of this kind in Britain was in 2006 when Christopher Norris, 50, a craftsman from Stobs, near Hawick in Scotland, died after inhaling anthrax.The last death of this kind in Britain was in 2006 when Christopher Norris, 50, a craftsman from Stobs, near Hawick in Scotland, died after inhaling anthrax.
Mr Norris made artworks and musical instruments, including drums.Mr Norris made artworks and musical instruments, including drums.
A report from NHS Borders published in December last year said it was likely Mr Norris contracted the illness after playing or handling anthrax-contaminated African drums.A report from NHS Borders published in December last year said it was likely Mr Norris contracted the illness after playing or handling anthrax-contaminated African drums.
A fatal accident inquiry into his death is due to take place on 18 November at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.A fatal accident inquiry into his death is due to take place on 18 November at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.