Spike in Ottawa drug overdoses continues through weekend
At least 28 reported overdoses since Tuesday, Ottawa Public Health says
Ottawa Public Health is reporting seven more visits to the city's emergency departments due to life-threatening or potentially life-threatening drug overdoses on Sunday, bringing the weekend total to 13.
Figures released by OPH and the Ottawa Hospital show there were at least 28 reported overdoses from Tuesday to Sunday.
- Ottawa Hospital sees spike in suspected fentanyl overdoses
- 6 new cases of potential opioid overdoses reported in Ottawa over the weekend
Previous updates from the agency suggested opioids such as fentanyl were to blame for the spike, and issued a warning about counterfeit drugs cut with powerful opioids.
Ottawa Public Health spokesperson Donna Casey said Monday the Ottawa Overdose Prevention and Response Task Force tracks emergency room data so it can respond to sharp increases in overdose-related hospital visits.
The health agency issued an alert Friday to remind the public of the risks involved in getting drugs from non-medical sources.