[ad_1]
Riverside County Health officials have confirmed the county’s first death in connection with Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid considered 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine.
The victim, a man in his 40s, passed away outside Riverside County in March 2025, officials said in a news release.
The cause of the death was confirmed after a month’s investigation by Riverside University Health System.
“All life lost from opioids is too much,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Schevinski said in a statement. “Together, we will work as a community to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use, support safety, and reduce harm and care for each other.
Originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants, Carfentanil is so powerful that trace amounts can be fatal, Chevinsky added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a sharp increase in overdose deaths involving carfentanil, up from 29 in the first half of 2023 to 238 in 2024.
Still, Riverside County saw a 25% drop in opioid-related deaths in 2024. Authorities have increased public awareness, broad distribution of naloxone, and joint harm reduction strategies for progress.
Authorities are encouraging residents to carry naloxone. Naloxone is available without a prescription at many pharmacies and local public health offices.
Agents also recommend using services such as the Never Offore and the National Overdose Response program.
[ad_2]Source link
