All articles tagged with #whatcom county
Due to recent flooding, several roads and schools in Whatcom and Skagit counties are closed or operating on delays, with ongoing weather impacts expected through Tuesday evening, including heavy rain and wind.
A backyard chicken flock in Whatcom County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, prompting health officials to depopulate the flock to prevent the spread of the disease. While the risk of transmission to humans is low, those in direct contact with birds, such as agriculture workers and hobbyists, are advised to wear protective gear and get vaccinated against seasonal flu. The county has been monitoring the virus since its detection in Washington in 2022, with no human cases reported in Whatcom County so far.
The Whatcom County Health Department confirmed the first death attributed to the animal tranquilizer xylazine, also known as "tranq," in the county. Xylazine, often mixed with fentanyl, has been increasingly detected in illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) drug products and overdose deaths. It is not an opioid, so opioid overdose counteragents like Narcan are ineffective in reversing its effects. The department urges the public to be aware of the dangers of xylazine, provide naloxone if an overdose is suspected, and call 911, as naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine.
Whatcom County reported its first known Xylazine "tranq" related overdose death, with the victim also having fentanyl and meth in their system. Xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer, has been making its way to Western Washington and can dangerously reduce brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. While popular on the East Coast, its fatal overdose in Western Washington is a concerning trend, as naloxone spray, such as Narcan, will not reverse its effects.
Whatcom County reports its first death from the powerful animal tranquilizer Xylazine, also known as the "zombie drug," which was found in combination with fentanyl and methamphetamine in the individual's system. Xylazine is known for its dangerous effects, including reducing brain activity, causing severe skin wounds, and leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Authorities warn that naloxone spray will not reverse Xylazine effects, but should still be administered if fentanyl overdose is suspected. The county has been testing for Xylazine in suspected overdose deaths since 2022 and urges the public to be aware of the risks associated with this drug.
Whatcom County reports its first known death from a Xylazine-related overdose, also known as tranq or tranq dope, which is a powerful animal tranquilizer. The toxicology report showed the presence of other drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamines. Xylazine is not an opioid, so naloxone sprays will not reverse an overdose, but should still be used if fentanyl is suspected. The drug reduces brain activity and can cause dangerous reductions in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as severe skin wounds that are difficult to heal. Officials urge the public to always call 911 if they suspect an overdose.
The Whatcom County Health Department reported the first Xylazine-related overdose death, involving an adult resident with multiple drugs in their system, including Xylazine, fentanyl, and methamphetamines. Xylazine, a common animal tranquilizer, poses serious health risks in humans and cannot be reversed by naloxone spray. The drug has been identified as an emerging threat in the United States, and the health department advises giving naloxone, calling 911, and providing rescue breaths if an overdose is suspected.