Heroin users in some African countries are injecting themselves with blood from other users to share the high from intravenous (IV) drug use or to curb withdrawal symptoms, The New York Times reports. Known as flashblood or flushblood, the practice puts IV drug users at a higher risk for contracting HIV and hepatitis. Health experts warn that the practice could fuel a new wave of HIV cases. Most HIV transmission in Africa occurs through heterosexual sex, but heroin use and needle sharing are growing concerns.

To read the Times article, click here.