MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued an advisory Wednesday, warning residents about an increase in deaths linked to drugs laced with synthetic substances.
In particular, the DHS warned about the presence of fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin. Officials said that illegal drug manufacturers use fentanyl to make drugs more powerful and cut costs.
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Data from the department shows that synthetic opioids, specifically fentanyl, were linked to 91% of opioid overdose deaths in the state and 73% of all overdose deaths.
“We can’t ignore the greater risks people face by not knowing what is included in the drugs they are taking,” Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake said. “This is a public health crisis.”
Fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin increased by 97% from 2019 to 2021.
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