Spike In Opioid Overdoses Reported In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Following a recent spike in overdoses in Lake County, health officials are urging those close to anyone who is addicted to opioids or fentanyl to pick up the opioid reversal drug, Naloxone, which can be obtained for free through the Lake County Health Department.

Between Feb. 24 and March 1, health officials say there were 14 visits by Lake County residents to emergency departments due to opioid overdoses. This spike in overdoses in Lake County has been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health, and health officials have not been able to determine a connection linking the overdoses, according to a statement released Wednesday by the local health department.

Health officials say there's been a nationwide surge in people overdosing due to "unintentional polysubstance," which can occur when a person takes drugs that have been mixed with other products without their knowledge, according to a news release.

“Like many other communities throughout Illinois, Lake County continues to be impacted by the opioid overdose crisis,” said Mark Pfister, executive director for the Lake County Health Department, in a statement. “We must take steps to alleviate overdose deaths and save lives.”

The Lake County Health Department has been working to combat the opioid crisis locally in a variety of ways, including through the distribution of free Naloxone to community members and law enforcement personnel. Naloxone is a non-addictive, life-saving medication, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time.

Those wishing to request a free Naloxone kit, which includes four doses of Naloxone and five fentanyl test strips, can visit here or call (847) 377-8199.

Health officials say Lake County residents, especially those whose loved ones may be using opioids, are encouraged to have Naloxone on hand in case of an overdose.

“An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency and may be reversible with quick action,” said Sana Ahmed, a medical epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department. “Naloxone is a safe and effective life-saving medication that is known to save lives. It can easily be administered into the nose by anyone, including friends, family, and, non-medical community members.”

Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
• Limp body
• Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing
• Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin
• Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
• Slow or no heartbeat

If you suspect an opioid overdose:

• Call 911 immediately and provide the location of the overdose
• Administer Naloxone, if available. Multiple doses may be required. Naloxone won’t harm someone if they are overdosing from a drug other than opioids. For more information on how and when to administer Naloxone, visit the CDC’s page on Stopping Overdose with Naloxone.
• Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
• Stay with the individual until help arrives.