Advisory issued as overdoses in Kent County surge, with cases similar to Sussex County

Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services have expanded their safety advisory about a "surge" in suspected drug overdoses to include both Kent and Sussex counties. There have been five suspected fatal overdoses across both counties in the past week.

Police have reported a "significant increase" in overdoses in both counties, with data released Friday evening showing a combined 125 suspected overdoses in Kent and Sussex counties since April 26.

Police and DHSS initially sent out a safety advisory about rising overdoses in Sussex County on Tuesday, warning that many experienced symptoms resistant to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, requiring intubation and repeated doses of Narcan. Most of these overdoses occurred in the greater areas of Georgetown, Millsboro and Milford.

Since the initial alert was released, police said Sussex County has recorded an additional 10 suspected drug overdoses. Beebe Healthcare in Lewes held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the surge, stating that the emergency department has seen six times the usual number of overdoses in recent days.

Drug overdoses in Kent County are following this same troubling pattern, according to police. There have been a suspected 42 overdoses there in the past week, with many of them leading to similar levels of medical need.

Police called in the Delaware National Guard on Wednesday to test the drugs involved in the overdoses. Initial samples showed packages containing the following:

• Xylazine, also known as "tranq," a veterinary sedative
• Bromazolam, an unlicensed benzodiazepam
• Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid
• Quinine, commonly used to treat malaria
• Caffeine

Officials are urging Delawareans to "exercise extreme caution," avoid illegal drugs and refrain from consuming unknown substances. They also encourage those struggling with addiction to contact medical professionals or support services.

How to find help

• Delaware Hope Line: 833-9-HOPEDE for free 24/7 counseling, coaching and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction and crisis services. Resources also can be found on the Help is Here website.
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) for free 24/7 substance abuse disorder treatment referral services. Treatment service locators also are available online at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or via text message by sending your ZIP code to 435748.

MORE:Police, state warn: 73 suspected drug overdoses, 2 deaths in 1 week in Sussex County

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.