The Northwestern Health Unit is warning the public over the potential of overdoses stemming from the region’s supply of crack cocaine.

In a release issued only to social media the health body says fentanyl was detected by a test strip in a sample of the unregulated supply.

It’s warning users not to be alone while using, to carry Naloxone and know how to use it.

Overdoses manifest with a number of symptoms including:

• loss of consciousness
• laboured breathing or no breathing at all
• dizziness
• sudden unresponsiveness
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• choking gurgling or snoring sounds
• blue or purple fingertips
• unresponsiveness to loud noises or shaking

If you witness someone who is overdosing Naloxone administered right away can counter these symptoms.

Alert issued by the Northwestern Health Unit on August 24/2023