Interior Health has confirmed test results that indicate fentanyl was present in some recent drug overdoses in the South Okanagan.

According to IHA “the drug was present in some of the cases at South Okanagan General Hospital.”

Patients ranged in age from 20-60.  The health authority is reticent to give out details of any of the case for fear of breaching patient rights.

RCMP confirmed last week there were two recent drug overdose deaths in Olalla as well as seven people in the region going to hospital because of drug overdoses. This story broken on ODN last Thursday morning.

Interior Health released the following tips to help reduce the risk:

• Don’t mix different drugs (including pharmaceutical medications, street drugs, and alcohol).
• Don’t take drugs when you are alone.
• Take a small sample of a drug before taking your usual dosage.
• Never experiment with higher doses.
• Keep an eye out for your friends – stay together and look out for each other.
• Recognize the signs of an OD. Headache, nausea, confusion, vomiting, shakes, fainting are serious. Get medical help ASAP.
• If someone thinks they may be having an overdose or is witnessing an overdose, call 911 immediately, do not delay.

To the best of our knowledge there has  been no further cases reported or concern expressed.