Five suspected overdose-related deaths recorded in less than two weeks
Posted Oct 23, 2024 02:09:35 PM.
Last Updated Oct 23, 2024 02:10:33 PM.
In a 10-day span, five suspected overdose or drug poisoning-related deaths occurred in Waterloo Region.
With it being respiratory illness season there is a warning that infections like COVID-19 or influenza could increase the risk of an overdose as it can affect breathing. Drugs with sedative properties that already cause slow breathing are at risk of an overdose.
Over the last week, the Kitchener Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) Drug Checking Program found high-potency fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, oxazepam, flubromazolam, known as Liquid Xanax, fentanyl analogues, medetomidine/dexmedtomidine and bromazolam in samples.
It’s unclear if what they found in the samples is connected to the five suspected drug-related deaths that occurred from Oct. 11 to 21.
Naloxone does not reverse the effects of some of those non-opioid substances but it should still be given in suspected overdose events. Naloxone kits and harm reduction supplies are free for pickup across the region. Visit Ontario.ca/naloxone for a list of locations where Naloxone kits are available.
The Kitchener CTS site at 150 Duke St. W. is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with drug checking services available.
