The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit issued a drug alert last week, warning the public about a potentially dangerous and unpredictable drug supply in the region.
Officials warned that they’re seeing an increase in suspected drug poisonings and deaths over a period of several weeks.
The supply is believed to involve fentanyl mixed with tranquillizers (“tranq”) and/or benzodiazepines, making overdoses more unpredictable and harder to reverse.
The alert applies across Simcoe and Muskoka, including communities like Bracebridge and Huntsville.
Emergency department visits and deaths tied to suspected poisonings have risen noticeably in a short time, which is often an early warning of a more toxic supply circulating.
Signs of drug poisoning:
- The person can’t be woken up, and breathing is slow or has stopped.
- The person is making snoring or gurgling sounds.
- Fingernails and lips have turned blue, purple or grey.
- The body is limp.
- Pupils are tiny or eyes are rolled back.
Public health officials are urging people who use drugs to:
- Carry and know how to use naloxone
- Avoid using alone
- Start with small amounts (“start low, go slow”)
- Call 911 if someone shows signs of overdose
For more information, click HERE.
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