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Whatcom County, WA - Officials from the Whatcom County Health Department have confirmed the first reported death in the county due to a suspected drug overdose involving xylazine, also known as "tranq," an animal tranquilizer. The announcement was made on Friday, April 5th, leaving the community deeply saddened by the tragedy.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), xylazine, a nonopioid sedative, has increasingly been detected in illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) drug products and overdose deaths. The presence of xylazine in the deceased's system, along with fentanyl and methamphetamines, was revealed through toxicology results.

The victim, an adult resident of Whatcom County, was found to have multiple drugs in their system, indicating a complex overdose situation. It is important to note that xylazine is not an opioid, rendering common opioid overdose counteragents, such as Narcan (naloxone), ineffective in reversing its effects.

The Whatcom County Health Department expressed sorrow for the loss of life and extended their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. They emphasized that no one should suffer a fatal overdose and urged the community to remain vigilant.

The suspicion that xylazine may be circulating within the county has been present for over a year, leading to the issuance of a warning about the drug in March 2023. Since the summer of 2022, the Medical Examiner's Office has been testing all suspected overdose deaths for the presence of xylazine. The recent case marks the first instance of xylazine being detected in an overdose death in Whatcom County.

As authorities continue to investigate this tragic incident, local residents are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving drug landscape. To receive timely updates from Whatcom News, readers can subscribe to email notifications by providing their email addresses below.

The Whatcom County Health Department stands committed to addressing the ongoing drug crisis and ensuring the well-being of the community.