MICHIGAN A NEW DEATH TAKES TOLL TO 48 IN WAYNE CO.

Residents Warned Of Lethal Drug Mix

Another person died from a probable drug overdose, Wayne County
health officials reported Monday, bringing the toll to 48 people who
have died since May 19.

Even though the number was dropping from the multiple deaths per day,
health officials aren't ready to say the deadly overdose spurt is tapering off.

Toxicology results won't be available for several weeks, but health
officials say they believe the deaths have been caused by a dangerous
combination of heroin or cocaine and the painkiller fentanyl.

"The numbers have always fluctuated," said Teresa Blossom, Wayne
County spokeswoman. "Some days, we've had three or four deaths, on
others we've had one."

The latest surge in deaths first came to the public's attention when
Wayne County issued a warning on May 19 because 12 people had died
over a 24-hour span.

Since then, the county has distributed at least 20,000 flyers,
warning people of the dangers of the illegal street drug and urging
drug addicts to get treatment rather than risk using the substance.

"We want to continue to urge the public to be mindful that the deadly
street drugs have increased," Blossom said Monday. "We hope that
anyone can avoid engaging in the activity and for those who have
addiction, we hope they can seek treatment."

From September through April, more than 100 drug overdose deaths
were recorded in metro Detroit and most of those are believed to have
been caused by the heroin/fentanyl mixture.

Neither Oakland nor Macomb counties reported any drug overdose deaths
over the holiday weekend.