The Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit has received confirmation from Health Canada that fentanyl and drugs containing fentanyl have been found in Leeds and Grenville.
Harm Reduction Coordinator at the Health Unit, Jennifer Adams, says fentanyl can be anywhere from four to 10,000 times stronger and more toxic than morphine. Adams says that even a dose the size of a grain of salt could be deadly.
Adams says it is hard for parents to tell if their child is taking fentanyl and that they need to educate them on the dangers. She says a drop in attendance in school and sleeping excessively can be two of the warning signs.
Here are some signs and symptoms of a fentanyl or opioid overdose:
· Won’t wake up easily or at all
· Breathing is very slow, erratic or not at all
· Fingernails and or lips turn blue
· Body is limp
· Deep snoring or gurgling
· Pin point pupils
· Vomiting
The health unit says in the event of an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately.
