BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Department of Health is warning drug users to take precautions after several apparent overdose deaths in Rutland County and other overdoses around the state within three days.
Health and law enforcement reports say that at least two people died from inhaling drugs. Investigators don’t know for sure what the drugs were but the department says cocaine and fentanyl have been a cause of death in Vermont.
Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine says the department is concerned that fentanyl is being mixed with a variety of illegal substances, like cocaine and methamphetamine. He says, “this broadens the problem.”
The department is urging drug users to use less and not to use alone; have the overdose-countering drug Narcan available; and call 911 if someone doesn’t wake up or is in distress.
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