The latest opioid surveillance report in Chatham-Kent shows the average number of suspected drug deaths, calls to paramedics, and visits to the emergency department due to opioid overdoses has increased.
Chatham-Kent Public Health says January had the highest number of EMS calls, emergency department visits, and suspected drug deaths since the summer of 2024.
The health unit reported 12 suspected deaths related to all drugs from November to January.
Public health officials also noted 35 suspected opioid overdose calls to EMS last month, compared to 15 in December.
The report also showed 20 opioid overdose-related visits to the emergency department in January, compared to 13 the previous month.
The public health unit reported five confirmed or probable opioid overdose deaths in Chatham-Kent from August to October as well, three more than the number of deaths from July to September.
According to CK Public Health, EMS calls for suspected opioid overdoses have been elevated over the last week.
An animal tranquilizer called Medetomidine in the local drug supply continues to be a concern, according to public health officials, who added that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable.
