SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County recorded its first carfentanil overdose loss of life final week, in line with county officers.
The artificial opioid is 100 instances stronger than fentanyl and never permitted for human consumption.
A 39-year-old man was discovered lifeless with M30 tablets made to appear like prescription oxycodone, the county’s Workplace of Communications and Public Affairs stated in a information launch. The Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Workplace confirmed he died from a carfentanil overdose.
“We urge people to avoid the dangers of opioids, especially fake pills that may contain carfentanil or fentanyl,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Michelle Jorden stated in an announcement. “Fake pills look real, but they can be deadly. People should not take any pill that they did not buy from the pharmacy.”
Deaths involving carfentanil seem like on the rise in the US. The quantity rose from 29 through the first half of 2023 to 238 through the first half of 2024, a sevenfold enhance, in line with a report the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention issued in December.
The county urged group members to name 911 in the event that they encounter somebody affected by an overdose and if attainable administer naloxone, a drugs that quickly reverses an opioid overdose.
The Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Challenge affords free naloxone by mail to residents 18 or older. To acquire naloxone or study extra about substance use remedy providers, name 408-272-6055, e-mail SCCOOPP@hhs.sccgov.org or go to fentfacts.org.
The county additionally supplies a full continuum of substance use remedy, together with outpatient and residential packages, and drugs for habit remedy, in line with the county. These fighting a substance use dysfunction and need assistance can contact the county’s Behavioral Well being Middle at 800-704-0900 or dial 988.
Examine again for updates.