Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison is warning of the presence of fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, in the province.
In the last 24 hours, there has been an increase in the number of overdoses reported in the Charlottetown area. There have been no deaths to report related to these cases.
The substance is sold as Fentanyl, and its appearance is described as orange chunks. Dr. Morrison says fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine and has caused accidental overdoses and death in individuals who consume street drugs. She says carrying naloxone and informing others who may use drugs that naloxone is available across PEI are important steps to reduce the risk of possible overdoses.
A Public Health Alert for fentanyl remains in place for the province, and Islanders are encouraged to call 911 right away if they suspect an overdose.
