Madison Reporter

Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued an Overdose Spike Alert due to a recent surge in drug overdoses and reports of unusual symptoms following drug use. The alert is based on data from hospitals and EMS providers. In the last 48 hours, at least ten individuals received treatment at local hospitals for suspected opioid overdoses in Dane County, a number exceeding the usual rates in the community.

Over the past week, first responders also treated seven others who reported symptoms such as drowsiness, nausea, sedation, and weakness after consuming crack cocaine.

“We are monitoring similar incidents reported by health officials in Milwaukee and Chicago linked to a synthetic drug called Medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. We often see drug traffic patterns in larger neighboring cities eventually affect Madison, so this is something we want our communities to know about,” said Public Health Supervisor Julia Olsen.

First responders, healthcare providers, people who use drugs, and their families should be aware of the increased risk of overdose. Residents can sign up for email or text alerts about overdose spikes on Public Health’s webpage.

"Even if this alert is only shared with one individual and it saves that one individual'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 County and the City are working together to build focused efforts to prevent and address the troubling increase in overdose deaths in our community,” said Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn. “Increasing awareness and communication about safer drug use is one of those strategies,” she continued.

Public Health advises those who use drugs or know someone who does to:

- Know the signs of an overdose: pale or clammy skin; blue lips/fingertips; slow or irregular breathing; difficulty waking.

- Always call 911 if an overdose is suspected.

- Avoid using street drugs alone; contact Never Use Alone at 800-484-3731.

- Check in with friends or family members who use drugs.

- Test all drugs for fentanyl before using.

- Carry Narcan® (naloxone) and be prepared to use multiple doses if needed.

- Obtain safer use supplies like fentanyl test strips and Narcan® from the Syringe Services Program at Public Health Madison & Dane County locations: 2705 E. Washington Ave. or 2300 S. Park St., Madison.

- Contact the Behavioral Health Resource Center of Dane County for treatment and recovery resources at (608) 267-2244.

- Share this alert with others.