47 overdoses, 7 deaths reported in Delaware's latest spike

Across the state this weekend, emergency responders were called to 47 overdoses.

Seven of those victims died — the latest spike in Delaware and a telltale sign of fatal drugs sweeping the streets.

The state Division of Forensic Science confirmed the deaths: Three were reported in New Castle County, two in Kent County, and two more in Sussex County.

Because toxicology reports have not been completed, the deaths are classified as suspected drug overdoses for now, said Wendy Hudson, a spokeswoman for the Division of Forensic Science.

The overdose spike points to Delaware's battle with the opioid and heroin epidemic, which has raged locally for years and has become the focus of many lawmakers and subsequent legislation.

For perspective, the last big spike Delaware saw was in early April, when 36 people overdosed over the course of four days. Then, six deaths were reported.

Officials attributed that spike to a batch of fentanyl-laced heroin that was working its way through Camden, New Jersey, and likely made it to Delaware, as well.

This time, first responders saw an average of 13 people overdosing each day, up from the average of nine overdoses per day experienced that weekend.

“Because of I-95, we know it’s easy for heroin and other illicit drugs to flow to Delaware from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and other states,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, secretary of the state Health Department, in a statement after the last overdose spike. “If you are in active use, we urge you to seek treatment immediately. If you continue to use substances, have the overdose-reversing medication naloxone with you because the risk for death is increased. Our first priority is to reduce harm and save lives."

Already this year, 87 people have died from suspected drug overdoses.

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Daily, calls for overdose responses crackle over the police scanner — a sign of the toll this epidemic is taking on public safety resources.

Emergency officials estimate that it costs about $508 to respond to each call for service for New Castle County Paramedics, with an average of nine overdoses a day in Delaware’s largest county. In some ways, this past weekend wasn't unlike the norm.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported earlier this year that Delaware emergency rooms saw a 105 percent increase in suspected opioid overdoses from July 2016 to September 2017.

This year's overdose numbers appear to be on the upward trend, as well.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has pointed to Philadelphia as the main supplier of Delaware's heroin, largely due to the I-95 corridor which cuts through Wilmington and links the First State to other major cities.

As a result, trends seen in the Philadelphia region can point to an increase in Delaware, as well.

It's unclear whether Philadelphia saw a similar spike this weekend.

What heroin costs Delaware — in lives and money

How to get help

New Castle County: 800-652-2929

Kent and Sussex counties: 800-345-6785

Online: www.helpisherede.com

Delaware's 911/Good Samaritan Law protects people who report an overdose or person in medical distress from being arrested for low-level drug crimes.

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.