Interior Heath is warning drug users in Penticton “about a potential increased overdose risk.”
The heath authority said it issued the overdose warning this week “due to anecdotal reports of overdoses in the community, relating to the use of pre-loaded fentanyl syringes.”
“Interior Health is encouraging people who are considering using drugs experimentally or for recreational purposes to avoid the use of illegal drugs at this time,” Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock said in a statement.
“If using drugs, don’t use alone. Test by using a small amount first, and carry a naloxone kit. Call 911 immediately, if someone has signs of decreased breathing or other signs of an overdose.”
The heath authority said the warning was given to Penticton community groups to pass on to drug users.
– with files from Shelby Thom