At least 22 drug poisonings and two fatalities reported in Guelph: Public Health

The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health building seen in this file photo. (Dan Lauckner / CTV Kitchener)

Public health officials in Guelph are warning the community about at least 22 drug poisonings and two fatalities since Feb. 14

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health issued a health alert Friday about the substance-related poisonings.

“The current unregulated drug supply is unpredictably potent and contains other substances, such as medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer,” reads the alert.

Although medetomidine is not an opioid and does not respond to naloxone, officials are encouraging people to still administer the medication if a drug poisoning is suspected.

“Medetomidine is almost always found in combination with fentanyl,” notes the alert.

Officials say the recent drug poisonings are showing heavy sedation.

After naloxone is given, public health says you should check that the person is breathing regularly.

“If they are very sedated but still breathing, encourage them to breath steadily before further assistance arrives,” the release says.