Overdose spike in Sussex Co. creates new challenges

In Delaware, officials are warning residents about a recent uptick in overdose related deaths.

In the last month, the majority of these overdoses took place in Sussex County and are suspected to be fentanyl related.

"It's scary as a personal citizen, it scares me as a nurse," says Stacy Robinson, and Education Coordinator at AtTAcK Addiction.

"I am very concerned. Out of the 13 deaths that happened this month, 7 of them were in Sussex" says Dr. Kara Odom Walker, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary.

Some of those overdoses took place in Ocean View. A few weeks ago  officers found a man passed out outside of Giant.

"The individual was laying on the bench, was unconscious, very shallow breathing. We did find more heroin in his pockets," says Officer Troy Bowden, from the Ocean View Police Department.

Last week, officers found two dead bodies inside a home 

"Members of the Ocean View PD were called to the scene of what turned out to be a fatal overdose. We had two young men in their 20's that were found deceased. We suspect at this time that the drugs involved  included fentanyl and possibly heroin," says Chief Kenneth McLaughlin, from the Ocean View PD.

"Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than heroin," says Dr. Walker.

"And it is a lot more easier to die and overdose on fentanyl," says Chief McLaughlin.

The Ocean View PD tells 47 ABC they use 1 to 2 doses of narcan when responding to overdoses, but when fentanyl is in the mix that can create challenges. In those cases, officers sometimes have to use 3 to 4 doses of narcan in order for the victim to become conscious .

"We've heard that from first responders who say this is something unusual that's going on because we have needed to give multiple doses, and at a higher dose than we would have expected," says Dr. Walker.

In the meantime health officials want to warn Delawereans that a bad batch might still be going around, and remind those who are struggling that help is available.

For more information on resources available in the area click here.