The local health unit's surveillance and monitoring system has issued another alert for a high number of opioid-related overdoses.
The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) reported a total of ten fentanyl-related overdoses in the region between Monday, September 27, and Sunday, October 3. Nine of them were at Windsor Regional Hospital and the tenth at Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington.
"Historically, the number of overdoses reported during this period are significantly high when compared to our two-year and five-year averages," read a release from the health unit. "Based on the information available, a public alert is strongly warranted."
The data includes both emergency department visits and calls to Essex-Windsor EMS.
This is the third time in the last four weeks an opioid overdose alert has been issued.
WECOSS, which includes the two hospitals, the health unit, EMS, Windsor Police and the OPP, is working to determine the reason behind the overdose increase.
To learn more about the signs and symptoms of opioid-related overdoses and what to do if you encounter someone having an overdose, visit the page on WECOSS' official website.
