Jackson County Public Health officials have issued another alert for accidental overdoses or poisoning related to illicit opioids, specifically fentanyl.
Officials said the alert was issued based on an increase in suspected fatal overdoses, emergency department admissions and responses made by law enforcement between November 12th and 18th.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl started to become more common in Jackson County in 2018. In early 2021, it became the predominant illicit opioid sold and used in Jackson County. Fentanyl can be sold as counterfeit pills such as oxycontin or in a powder form which can look like other drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. It can also be mixed with other illicit opioids, such as heroin.
The increased presence of fentanyl in the local drug supply increases the risk of overdosing or poisoning for people who are experimenting with drugs, who use them recreationally and who are not intentionally using fentanyl.
Jackson County Public Health is encouraging the medical community, partners, parents, family and friends, people who occasionally use recreational or party drugs, and people with an active substance abuse disorder to be aware of the increase of fatal and nonfatal overdoses associated with illicit opioids.
There is no safe way to use illicit opioids such as fentanyl, but there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of overdosing. The street supply is unpredictable and inconsistent. Assume there is a risk of poisoning or overdosing no matter what drug is used. Abstaining from drug use is the best way to eliminate the risk of overdosing.
