Three fatal overdoses traced to 'toxic' batch of fentanyl: Public health
Woodstock police and the health unit for Oxford and Elgin counties are warning users about a “toxic” batch of fentanyl after three fatal overdoses in the past week.
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Woodstock police and the health unit for Oxford and Elgin counties are warning users about a “toxic” batch of fentanyl after three fatal overdoses in the past week.
Officials with Southwestern public health said police have also been receiving daily calls for overdose emergencies.
Public health officials said the deaths are thought to be related to a batch of “very toxic” fentanyl – an opioid that’s 100 times more potent than morphine – currently circulating in the Oxford County community.
Opioid overdoses, especially those causing death, have been far from rare in Southwestern Ontario. In November, Strathroy-Caradoc police reported responding to four overdoses in 24 hours, including one fatal overdose. In August, St. Thomas reported 16 overdoses in 11 days.
Also in November, Southwestern public health warned of a batch of grey fentanyl circulating that required higher doses of naloxone, a medication that temporarily blocks the effects of an overdose. This batch, the health unit warned, could cause a “rebound reaction,” or return of overdose symptoms after naloxone.
Despite the Woodstock-area overdoses, health units surrounding the Elgin and Oxford county area have not issued any new opioid alerts in recent days.
In London, though, a vending machine dispensing medical-grade opioids was recently introduced as part of a Canada-wide project to reduce opioid deaths by discouraging the use of often-deadly street drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil.
If someone is having an opioid overdose, you should call 911, administer naloxone if you have it – it may take more than one dose – and stay with the person until paramedics arrive. The overdose victim should also be encouraged to go to hospital for further treatment.
In the Oxford County area, residents can get a free naloxone kit through Southwestern public health, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Oxford and many local pharmacies.
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose:
- Slow or weak breathing, not breathing
- Drowsiness and difficulty staying awake, or can’t be woken up
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Blue lips or nails
- Dizziness
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