Doctors warn of disease linked to cocaine

An immune suppression disease linked to tainted cocaine has been identified in at least seven people in the Canadian province of Alberta.

Health officials said that even a minor infection can quickly become life-threatening in those with the disorder, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

We are advising anyone who develops a fever or other signs of infection and has used cocaine to seek medical attention quickly, Dr. Gerry Predy, the acting provincial chief medical officer, said Friday. Any skin abscess or lung infection that develops rapidly should also be treated immediately.

The condition, agranulocytosis, has been linked to levamisole, a chemical used to treat intestinal worms. Cases have been reported in Edmonton, Red Deer and in southern Alberta.