Milwaukee County medical examiner investigates 8 probable drug overdose deaths in 48 hours

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County medical examiner said on Saturday afternoon, September 3rd, they were investigating eight probable overdose deaths occurring within a 48-hour period in Milwaukee County.

The Medical Examiner's Office tweeted out the devastating statistic -- along with the hashtag "Dose of Reality WI."

In August, FOX6 News shared a story on the severity of heroin and painkiller abuse in Milwaukee County.

Officials with the Milwaukee Health Department say this is really a silent epidemic when it comes to public perception. That is because we tend to focus on acute issues like Ebola or Zika. But overdoses are sweeping the country -- and happening right here in Milwaukee.