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Dodge County officials investigate 4 overdose deaths; "bad batch" of heroin could be to blame

Published  March 11, 2016 5:25pm CST
Dodge County
FOX 6 Now Milwaukee

DODGE COUNTY -- Dodge County officials are investigating four deaths which are believed to be the result of heroin overdoses. Officials have no evidence of it at this time, but say it is very possible a "hot batch" or bad batch of heroin may be to blame.

The four deaths, which occurred in the past two and a half weeks, are currently still under investigation, but Dodge County law enforcement says it is important for the community to be aware of the seriousness of this epidemic.

Authorities say it is important to recognize these deaths are only the overdose deaths. Deaths in which people do not die, but require medical attention to much more prevalent.

Officials say the sheriff's office, local police departments, and ambulances throughout the county have responded to a large number of overdoses that have resulted in the use of Narcan -- a drug used to assist in counteracting the effects of opioids. Emergency personnel transport people who have overdosed to hospitals on a daily basis. Other go to hospitals on their own without law enforcement involvement or an ambulance being called. As these people continue to use heroin or other opioids, they put themselves at risk of that overdose being fatal.

It is Dodge County Law Enforcement's intent to make the public aware of the recent uptick in overdoses.

Dodge County officials say, "If this is the case, it is just one more reason why we as a community need to pull together to save our family members and friends from a potentially deadly situation.  Remember, this epidemic affects people of all ages and all economic backgrounds."

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate ways to curbing the heroin epidemic, but this is a community issue in need of a community-wide solution.

If you have information that could aid in the investigation of heroin and other drug offenses, you can contact the sheriff's office at 920-386-3726 or visit their website at www.dodgecountysheriff.com.