Contaminated cocaine sends 3 to hospital

At least three cocaine and crack users went to local hospitals with life-threatening illnesses because a supply of the drug has been cut with an animal deworming medication. One user required extensive surgery.

The King County Department of Public Health issued a "Bad Cocaine Alert" today, warning users about the risks associated with the animal drug, called Levamisole, which can wipe out white blood cells in humans.

"Cocaine is already an extremely dangerous drug, and with our knowledge that local supply may be contaminated, it's even more urgent that people stop taking it," said Dr. David Fleming, director of the public health department.

Cocaine users who have consumed Levamisole will exhibit serious health symptoms — such as high fever, chills, painful sores on the mouth and anus and swollen glands — and should be treated immediately at a hospital. The drug can also cause non-related infections, such as pneumonia or skin infections, to rapidly worsen.

Levamisole is odorless, tasteless and will not change the color of cocaine powder or crack.

For more info, call the Alcohol and Drug Help Line at 206/722-3700.

Lindsay Toler: 206-464-2463 or ltoler@seattletimes.com