TROY — Rensselaer County is rushing toward a new annual record in drug overdose deaths as five fatalities potentially from overdoses of cocaine and fentanyl occurred this past weekend, county and law enforcement officials said Monday.
The county described the weekend’s five fatalities likely caused by overdose as occurring in the north, central and south sections of the county. The county also reported 12 non-fatal cases since Thursday.
Law enforcement agencies reported one suspected overdose death each in Schaghticoke, Troy and Rensselaer. Authorities would not specify the location of the two remaining alleged overdose fatalities.
“This is extremely concerning, and residents in Rensselaer County and surrounding areas should be aware there are very dangerous drugs circulating right now,” Public Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas said.
“To have five fatal overdoses and 12 non-fatal overdoses in just over 72 hours in a county the size of Rensselaer County shows there is real reason for caution by residents. We would urge everyone to view this as a serious and life-threatening situation,” Wachunas continued.
While the county still awaiting testing results, Wachunas said, “We have determined these deaths are overdoses based on information and evidence made available. Autopsies are continuing, but the information now present indicates these overdoses are because of a combination of cocaine and fentanyl.”
Rensselaer County’s soaring fatal overdose numbers are not unique.
“Overdose deaths are at a record high nationwide. The ubiquity of fentanyl and its analogs has much to do with the rise in overdose deaths,” the state Office of Addiction Support and Services said in a previous statement.
The state noted that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful…
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