Dane County issues public health alert in response to spike in overdose

MADISON, Wisconsin – At least four people in Dane County have overdosed in the past 24 hours, according to public health officials.

Madison & Dane County Public Health and Madison Police issued a public health alert Thursday due to the increase in drug-related overdoses in the county. A similar public health alert was issued around the same time last year.

The alert is designed to educate the community and inform the public of the increased risk of overdose.

Officials said the cause of the recent outbreak was unknown, although it is possible that the mix of illicit street drugs in the community may have changed.

Public health officials said the alert served as a warning to recognize signs of an overdose:

• Pale, clammy, or clammy skin
• Lips / fingertips turn blue
• Slow or irregular breathing: panting, gurgling, or snoring
• Difficult or unable to wake up

If you suspect someone is overdosing, officials say always call 911.

Treatment and recovery resources are available at the Behavioral Health Resource Center.

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE POSTED, BROADCAST, REWRITED OR REDISTRIBUTED.