Overdose spike warning due to increased risk in Dane County | News

MADISON (WKOW) — The Madison & Dane County Health Department has issued an overdose alert due to a surge in cases throughout the community.

“Even if this warning is given to just one person and saves that person’s life, this initiative will be considered a success,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Every life matters and every drug overdose death is preventable.”

The warning issued on Thursday was triggered by data from hospitals and rescue services.

Within two days, at least ten people in Dane County were treated for suspected opioid overdoses.

Last week, emergency responders also treated several people with unusual symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness and weakness after consuming crack cocaine.

“We are seeing similar incidents reported by health departments in Milwaukee and Chicago linked to a synthetic drug called medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. We often see drug trafficking patterns in larger neighboring cities ultimately affect Madison, so we want to educate our communities,” said Health Officer Julia Olsen.

There is a high alert level for medetomidine, and the drug has been in Chicago’s drug supply since last month. According to Chicago’s Health Alert Network, medetomidine can make overdoses difficult to reverse.

“The county and city are working together on targeted efforts to prevent and combat the disturbing increase in overdose deaths in our community,” said Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn. “One of those strategies is raising awareness and education about safer drug use.”

The Madison & Dane County Health Department offers the following for people who use drugs or know someone who uses drugs:

• Know the signs of an overdose:
  • Pale, sweaty or moist skin
  • Lips/fingertips turn blue
  • Slow or irregular breathing: wheezing, gurgling or snoring
  • Difficult or impossible waking up
• Always call 911 if you think someone has overdosed
• Don’t use street drugs alone; call Never Use Alone at 800-484-3731.
• Talk to your friends/family members who use drugs
• Test all medications for fentanyl before use
• Carry Narcan® (naloxone) with you and be prepared to use multiple doses if needed
• Obtain safer-use supplies such as fentanyl test strips and Narcan® from the Syringe Services Program at Public Health Madison & Dane County: 2705 E. Washington Ave. or 2300 S. Park St. in Madison
• Contact the Behavioral Health Resource Center of Dane County for treatment and recovery resources: (608) 267-2244
• Share this warning with others

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