Police, state warn: 73 suspected drug overdoses, 2 deaths in 1 week in Sussex County

Over the past week in Sussex County, there have been 73 suspected drug overdoses, two people are dead and the National Guard has been enlisted to find out why.

Delaware State Police and the Department of Health and Social Services are continuing to warn the public as a surge of particularly severe overdoses happens across the state's southernmost county.

"Exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances, and avoid illegal drugs altogether," the agencies said in a news release Thursday. "Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or addiction support services."

The 73 suspected overdoses occurred between Friday, April 26 and Friday, May 2, with toxicology tests pending to confirm two suspected overdose deaths, the release said. The majority of overdoses have occurred in the Georgetown, Millsboro, and Milford areas, according to the release.

To determine the drugs' composition, police enlisted the Delaware National Guard Wednesday to test samples from overdose victims. Initial samples showed packages containing the following:

• Xylazine, also known as "tranq," a veterinary sedative
• Bromazolam, an unlicensed benzodiazepam
• Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid
• Quinine, commonly used to treat malaria
• Caffeine

The substances involved were packaged in small, white, wax-covered paper bags, police said, typically associated with heroin.

BACKGROUND:Delawareans asked to 'exercise extreme caution' after string of overdoses

Beebe Healthcare in Lewes held a news conference Wednesday to address the more than 30 overdoses the hospital has seen since April 25. One of those patients died and more than 11 required mechanical ventilation and intubation, Beebe Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Officer Dr. Paul Sierzenski said. Many patients also required a significant amount of naloxone to revive.

All involved agencies have warned the recent overdoses have been much more medically severe than usual. There are no patterns related to age, sex or race, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Director Joanna Champney said at the Beebe news conference.

Support for those struggling with substance abuse and a list of Narcan training events are available at helpisherede.com. 

In Sussex, patients can talk with clinicians about substance abuse regardless of their insurance status at the Thurman Adams State Service Center at 546 S. Bedford St. in Georgetown.

DRUG DEATHS:Fatal overdoses in Delaware appear to be going down, but new troubling trends are emerging

OVERDOSE ADVISORY EXPANDED:Overdoses in Kent County surge, with cases similar to Sussex County

Assistance for those struggling with substance abuse is also available through the following avenues:

• 911: In cases of overdose or medical emergencies, dial or text 911.
• 988: For immediate crisis support, dial 988.
• Delaware 211: Dial 211 or visit delaware211.org for free, confidential assistance in multiple languages.
• Delaware Hope Line: Call 833-9-HOPEDE (833-946-7333) for 24/7 access to resources, support, and crisis assistance.
• Treatment Connection: Find nearby treatment providers at TreatmentConnection.com.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.