Sonoma County Heroin Overdoses Have Spiked Recently, Coroner's Office Says

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- The Sonoma County Coroner’s Office on April 25 said that there has recently been an upward spike in suspected heroin overdose deaths.

In the last five days, the Coroner’s Office has received nine deaths attributed to what we believe is heroin overdoses.

"While the final cause of death has yet to be determined and next of kins have not been notified, we want to share this information early to warn the public of this disturbing trend," the coroner's office said in a statement released to Patch.

All the deaths so far have occurred in the Santa Rosa area, the coroner's office said, adding that there's concern that the heroin being distributed in Santa Rosa right now is very volatile and potentially toxic.

"All health, rehabilitation and treatment centers need to know that this substance is out there and any signs of overdose should be taken seriously," the coroner's statement read in part.

Anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms of an overdose should seek medical attention immediately or call 9-1-1, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

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