Officials warn about toxic batch of blue fentanyl

Officials in Oxford County are warning about a toxic batch of blue fentanyl that is causing people to “drop” right after use. 

The alert comes from Southwestern Public Health, which oversees Elgin and Oxford Counties as well as the City of St. Thomas. 

The “very toxic fentanyl” found in Oxford County is chunky and blue, like pool or billiard chalk.

Those who use it drop right after use and have reported nausea, vomitting and diarrhea for several days after. 

“We’re concerned because of the side-effects people have experienced when they use it. We have desciptions of people dropping right after they use it, as well as having nausea and vomitting,” said Joanne Andrews, a manager with Southwestern Public Health.

“Those symptoms are different than what some people might expect from a drug that they’re buying off the street.”

In case of overdose:

• Call 911.
• Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected.
• Stay with and assist the person until paramedics arrive.
• The person should go to the hospital with the paramedics for further treatment.

If you use substances:

• Don’t use alone.
• Avoid mixing substances.
• Start with a small amount first.
• Carry a naloxone kit.