Local health officials say there has been a significant increase in the number of overdoses in Windsor-Essex.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's surveillance and monitoring system detected the increase between May 12 and May 18. Over a 24-hour period on May 16, there were nine substance misuse and overdose-related emergency department visits.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said there may be a link in the increase of overdoses and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Stress, anxiety, and self-isolation can trigger substance use and even can trigger relapse or make people use more than what they normally use. It puts them at a higher risk of overdose and fatality associated with substance use," said Dr. Ahmed.
As a result of the increase, an alert has been issued through the Windsor Essex Community Opioid Substance Strategy. This puts community partners like the hospitals and EMS on high alert for similar cases.
"These alerts are designed to alert the community for an impending crisis or if something is happening in the community and ensure that they are connected with the services, the first responders or the other support agencies are actively looking for it and providing the support that these individuals need," said Dr. Ahmed.
Fentanyl was detected in 12 of the 18 overdose cases reported by the hospitals.