There's evidence the much-talked-about street drug xylazine, which is typically used by veterinarians to sedate large animals, is infiltrating San Francisco's drug supply.
FILE: The drug xylazine, used by veterinarians to sedate large animals such as horses, is believed to have contributed to four recent overdose deaths in San Francisco.street drug xylazine, which is typically used by veterinarians to sedate large animals, is infiltrating San Francisco’s drug supply. While concerning, public health officials don’t think xylazine, or “tranq,” as it’s often called, will cause the same sudden uptick in overdose deaths that fentanyl triggered five years ago.
“This is based on the overdose trends in cities in the East Coast, which have fluctuated over the past years despite the rising prevalence of xylazine,” Dr. Jeffrey Hom, director of population behavioral health for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, wrote in an email. In routine toxicology testing on 145 people who died from drug overdoses in SF between mid-December 2022 and mid-January, xylazine was identified in the systems of four individuals, the city’s Department of Public Health said. The synthetic opioid fentanyl was also identified in all four people, according to the department.
Another point of reference: The department said it has not received any reports of xylazine-related wounds in city patients. The drug is known for causing skin lesions that can become so severe the amputation of limbs is required. “While we do anticipate more cases involving xylazine will be identified, this low number of individuals initially testing positive, as well as the fact that we have not heard reports of wounds or intoxication suggestive of xylazine, supports our belief that it is not yet widespread in the local drug supply,” Hom said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dangerous animal sedative linked to fatal overdoses in San FranciscoHealth officials are sounding the alarm about a new drug that's crept into the San Francisco drug supply.
Read more »
How a number of key projects are transforming San Leandro's downtown - San Francisco Business TimesThe Centro Callan project and others are critical to the city's goal of becoming more transit-oriented and walkable.
Read more »
Depeche Mode adds tour dates, including a night at Chase CenterThe tour will stop in Sacramento, San Jose and San Francisco this year.
Read more »
Animal Care Services warns of deadly dog disease spreading across San AntonioCanine distemper, which is spread through airborne exposure, is often fatal, according...
Read more »
Trish's Mini Donuts at Pier 39 brings the carnival to San FranciscoTrish's Mini Donuts at Pier 39 brings the carnival to San Francisco through mini donut delights.
Read more »
Couples say 'I do' at San Francisco City Hall on Valentine's DayTuesday marked Valentine's Day and love was in the air around the Bay Area.
Read more »