This article discusses substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 211 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — An Overdose Spike Alet was issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Public health officials said there has been a recent surge in drug overdoses in the area; there have also been reports of “unusual symptoms after drug use.” 


What You Need To Know

  • An Overdose Spike Alet was issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County

  • Public health officials said in the last 48 hours, at least 10 people in Dane County have been treated at local hospitals for suspected opioid overdoses. Public Health Madison & Dane County that number is higher than the average number of overdoses the community sees. Data was reported by hospitals and EMS providers

  • EMS providers also reported treating seven people who were experiencing a variety of unusual symptoms after consuming crack cocaine, including drowsiness, nausea, sedation and weakness

Public health officials said in the last 48 hours, at least 10 people in Dane County have been treated at local hospitals for suspected opioid overdoses. Public Health Madison & Dane County that number is higher than the average number of overdoses the community sees. Data was reported by hospitals and EMS providers.

EMS providers also reported treating seven people who were experiencing a variety of unusual symptoms after consuming crack cocaine, including drowsiness, nausea, sedation and weakness.

“We are monitoring similar incidents reported by health officials in Milwaukee and Chicago linked to a synthetic drug called Medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. We often see drug traffic patterns in larger neighboring cities eventually affect Madison, so this is something we want our communities to know about,” said Public Health Supervisor Julia Olsen.

Officials said those who use drugs, and those who know someone who uses drugs, need to be aware of the increased risk of overdose.

“Even if this alert is only shared with one individual and it saves that one individual’s life, this initiative will be considered a success,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Every life matters and every drug overdose death is preventable.”

If you use drugs or know someone who does, it is important to know the signs of an overdose, including:

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

If you think someone is overdosing, call 911.

Health officials also shared the following tips:

  • Don’t use street drugs alone; call Never Use Alone at 800-484-3731
  • Check in with your friends/family who use drugs
  • Test all drugs for fentanyl before using
  • Carry Narcan® (naloxone) and be prepared to use multiple doses when  needed
  • Get safer use supplies, like fentanyl test strips and Narcan®, from the Syringe Services Program at Public Health Madison & Dane County: 2705 E. Washington Ave. or 2300 S. Park St. in Madison
  • Contact the Behavioral Health Resource Center of Dane County for treatment and recovery resources: (608) 267-2244
  • Share this alert with others

To get email and text alerts about overdose spikes in Dane County, click here. 

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