More heroin overdoses reported in Springfield-Eugene area

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) – A total of 10 heroin overdoses have now been reported in Springfield and Eugene since the weekend.

Springfield police previously warned heroin users about the possibility of an exceptionally potent round of heroin on sale in the area after five people overdosed in an eight-hour period on Saturday.

All five were saved by Narcan, a drug that reverses the effects of a heroin overdose.

The Register Guard reports Tuesday that five more reports came in by Monday in both Springfield and Eugene.

Springfield police Lt. Scott McKee says one of the victims says he consumed “China White.”

That’s the street name for Furanyl fentanyl, which is similar to heroin and morphine but much more potent.

Police also say the drug may also be fentanyl-laced heroin.

Lane County Public Health on Tuesday reported a spike in hospital emergency department visits for heroin-related overdose, with 21 visits over the weekend. Officials say Lane County’s average for that timeframe is 7.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com