Dozens hospitalized in connection to wave of drug overdoses in Georgia in 48 hour
MACON, Ga. -- In a 48-hour period, dozens of patients have been hospitalized and deaths have been reported in Middle Georgia for overdoses associated with a drug that is believed to be Percocet.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the overdoses occurred in Centerville, Perry, Macon, Warner Robins and Albany. It may also be sold on the street in other areas of the state.
Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said that he has responded to 11 overdoses in the past three to four days. Two of those overdoses resulted in deaths, two patients were discharged from the hospital and the remaining nine patients are still in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon.
One of the two deaths occurred Tuesday morning. The deceased's sister also overdosed on the same substance but survived............................
The DPH said that the overdose patients reportedly purchased yellow pills alleged to be Percocet, a powerful prescription opioid painkiller. âĶ.. .....
Dr. John Shivdat, director of emergency medicine at Coliseum Medical Centers, said he believes that his facility is dealing with one overdose related to the drug. He said it is stronger and more intense than drugs they have typically dealt with in the past.
Dr. Shivdat said that it can lead to a complete shut down of the respiratory system.
Authorities are currently testing the pills to determine its ingredients.
At Tuesday afternoon's press conference,âĶâĶ
If you or someone you know has taken these pills, call 911 immediately.
