The Ministry of Health of the province of Buenos Aires issued an “epidemiological alert” on Wednesday afternoon due to the identification of people with “signs of shock, sensory depression, respiratory difficulty, psychomotor arousal”, with a history of recent drug use. “adulterated cocaine”.
When referring toto death of at least 17 people in health facilities from the municipalities of Hurlingham, San Martín, Tres de Febrero, Morón, Tigre, Ituzaingó and General Rodríguezthe Ministry pointed out that “it can be inferred that it could be opiate intoxication and the existence of another linked product is unknown.”
“In the admission of the guard services of health effectors of the province of Buenos Aires, the entry of people in serious condition continues to be registeredLikewise, the emergency system is admitting people to different health establishments, causing a constant increase in the number of hospitalized people,” they stated in a statement.
The health ministry noted that “With the information available to date, it can be inferred that it could be opiate intoxication and the existence of another related product is unknown.”
“It should be noted -they continued- that when the corresponding studies are concluded, the information will be officially communicated”.
Recommendations for health teams
Faced with this situation, the Ministry recommended in a “preliminary” way that health teams suspect intoxication by adulterated cocaine, against any person who in the last 24 hours has ingested cocaine and presents any of the following signs and symptoms: respiratory distress , bradypnea, seizures, miosis, sensory depression, paresthesias, psychomotor arousal.
Furthermore, the use of Flumazenil is not recommended in these cases; evaluate the administration of Naloxone as an antidote and request a coagulogram and evaluate coagulation disorders for eventual treatment”.
Information from the Provincial Toxicology Center
In addition, the Provincial Toxicology Center (Ceprotox) should be notified immediately for advice and guidance.
Cetropox provides telephone service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through the telephone lines: 0800-2229911 or 2216693243also by mail [email protected]
