Toronto Public Health warns of sudden spike in suspected opioid overdose calls
Toronto Public Health says that there has been a sudden spike in suspected overdose calls over the last week, raising concerns about the presence of “highly potent opioids” in the city’s unregulated drug supply.
Paramedics responded to a total of 108 suspected overdose calls over a two-day period earlier this week, three of which ended up being fatal.
On Wednesday alone, paramedics responded to 60 such calls, which is the highest single-day total since the city began tracking the data in 2017.
Toronto Public Health says that the overdoses appear to be occurring “across the city” and involve “a range of substances.”
“The use of highly-potent opioids – on their own or in combination with other drugs – may result in extreme sedation and dangerous suppression of the respiratory system,” Toronto Public Health said in a statement. “Since these drugs are so strong, the risk of overdose is increased, and greater than normal doses of naloxone may be required to rouse individuals experiencing an overdose.”
There has been an increase in suspected opioid overdoses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with the average number of calls responded to by paramedics rising from 68 per week to 149 per week.
But the latest data seems to be pointing to a further acceleration, which has prompted Toronto Public Health to formally issue a drug alert warning of the possible presence of “highly potent nitazene opioids and benzodiazepine-related drugs in in samples expected to be fentanyl.”
“From November 27 to December 1, there were 10 suspected opioid overdose deaths attended by Toronto Paramedic Services, which is higher than average for a five-day period. These fatal calls occurred across Toronto,” Toronto Public Health warned. “While specific details are not yet known, there appears to be a range of substances from the unregulated drug supply involved.”
The warning from Toronto Public Health on Friday afternoon comes on the heels of police issuing a public safety alert on Wednesday regarding a “suspicious” drug that caused the suspected overdoses of five people in Parkdale.
Police also issued a public safety alert last weekend regarding another drug that had been linked to two deaths in Toronto's Deer Park neighbourhood.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.