KENORA — Overdose rates in Kenora are tapering back down after a spike last week, but the police are still advising public vigilance.
The OPP have reported a slowdown in the number of suspected overdoses in the Kenora area compared to last week when the police and the Northwestern Health Unit issued warnings that an unknown drug was causing an increased number of overdoses.
“The specific drug has not been identified. However, naloxone has been successfully administered in several cases. This indicates that the substance involved is likely an opioid,” said Sgt. Hayley Mcleary, a regional media and communications coordinator.
The OPP also has an investigation underway for a suspected overdose death in the community.
“The recent sudden death remains under investigation. While there are signs that it may be drug-related, we’re waiting on the results of the post-mortem to confirm the exact cause,” said Mcleary.
Even with the slowdown, she added that they are still ensuring the public remains informed.
“Police urge citizens not to handle any unknown substance, as some substances can be harmful and require proper procedures and personal protective equipment,” said the police in a media release issued on Friday.
“If a member of the community comes across something they suspect to be illegal drugs, they should notify the police.”
The OPP also reminds residents that illicitly produced opioids have no quality control and these products have a widely varying consistency and strength.
As a result, it said there is a higher risk of experiencing an overdose when a substance is not sourced from a pharmacy and, in some cases, contains substances that may reduce the effectiveness of naloxone.
“The OPP is committed to supporting safe, healthy communities for all Ontarians. The OPP continues to work with community partners to strategically and collaboratively address the opioid crisis at the local and provincial levels,” said the police.
The OPP encourages the public to call 911 immediately if residents or those they are with are experiencing an overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose may include deep sleep, unconsciousness, slowed or no heart rate and/or breathing, pinpoint pupils, choking or gurgling, cold clammy skin, clue-purple lips and nails and going limp, according to the police.
The OPP added that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act also provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for individuals seeking emergency help during an overdose and encourages anyone reporting a suspected overdose to stay with the person in distress until first responders arrive.
