Chatham-Kent (CK) Public Health is again warning of an increase in drug overdoses in Chatham-Kent over the past couple of weeks.
Public Health officials suspect strong fentanyl mixed with Xylazine, commonly referred to as “tranq”, in the local drug supply is causing the latest rise in drug overdoses and unexpected reactions.
They said "tranq" increases the effects of opioids and can cause prolonged sedation as well as wound and skin issues.
The October opioid surveillance report from CK Public Health showed 15 suspected opioid overdose calls to CK EMS in September and seven opioid overdose Emergency Department visits in September. There were also six non-opioid drug overdose calls to CK EMS in August.
The report also showed three suspect drug-related deaths from July to September and 11 so far in 2025, trending much lower than last year's total of 47 deaths.
"While it's difficult to determine the true number of drug poisonings due to underreporting, CK EMS has responded to over 20 suspected opioid-related calls in October, nearly half occurring in the past week," said CK Public Health officials. "Several suspected drug-related deaths have also been reported in the last two weeks, exceeding the usual monthly average of one or two. Similar spikes were seen in early August, prompting a public alert at that time."
The health unit also confirmed three opioid poisoning deaths in CK from April to June 2025.
"This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing," said CK Public Health in a statement issued late on Thursday. "Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death."
CK Public Health suggests the following in case of an overdose:
- Call 911
- Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected (it may take more than one dose)
- Do not leave the person unattended. Stay with and assist the person until paramedics arrive
If you use substances, you should do the following:
- Try to avoid using alone, fix with a friend
- If using with others, take turns spotting for each other
- Have a safety plan, ask someone to check on you, leave door unlocked
- Call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) Safer Consumption Hotline at 1-888-688-6677
- Start low and go slow, try a test dose first
- Check your drugs with test strips
- Be aware of your tolerance
- Try to avoid mixing drugs
- Know the quality of your drugs
- Ask others about what they are experiencing with the current drug supply
CK Public Health is asking members of the public to share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug overdoses.
