Community drug alert extended for second time after five more suspected drug-related deaths
Posted Jun 19, 2024 09:59:23 AM.
Last Updated Jun 19, 2024 10:31:01 AM.
A community drug alert for Waterloo Region has been extended for a second time.
The overdose alert was first issued May 28 in response to 35 reported overdoses and two suspected overdose-related deaths in a four-day period.
The first extension came on June 3 when the Waterloo Integrated Drug Strategy (WRIDS) said there was 50 additional overdoses reported and four more suspected overdose-related deaths.
The organization has now extended the alert for a second time, saying there have been five suspected drug-related deaths from June 12 -17.
There have now been 85 drug poisonings and 11 fatalities since May 23.
It’s not known what kind of narcotics are connected to the recent spate of overdoses but WRIDS says the drug supply circulating on city streets is unregulated and unpredictable.
The community drug alert from June 3 said “the Kitchener CTS Drug Checking Program has detected samples of Fentanyl, combined with various Fentanyl analogues, Benzodiazepines (including Bromazolam and Xanax), and Xylazine,” the community drug alert reads “Colours of concern were red, reddish orange, reddish pink, green, and grey.”
The extension alert issued Tuesday afternoon raises concern about hot and humid conditions bringing an increased risk of death from drug toxicity during very hot weather.
“Using opioids during extreme heat can contribute to a decreased level of consciousness,” the alert reads. “Using stimulants can increase heart rate resulting in an increased body temperature (hyperthermia). This can cause dehydration.”
WRIDS said symptoms of heat illness include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
The alert also warns that heat illness can result in swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Drug users are being urged to take precautions like never using alone, always carrying naloxone, and visiting the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site on Duke Street in downtown Kitchener.
With files from Erin Anderson.
